THE WOODLANDS, Texas September 26, 1999 - Chaminade at Santa
Cruz, the leading conference center in Monterey Bay, California, has completed
the final stages of a major renovation under the direction of Benchmark
Hospitality, which manages the historic property. The $3-million
project ranged from refurbishing the 152 guestrooms to opening up majestic
views of the Bay from the center�s restaurant.
In the sleeping villas, four of the 152 guestrooms were upgraded into
executive suites with attached parlors. All guest rooms feature new
contemporary furniture, while the executive suites are also equipped with
VCRs, stereo systems and a business/casual atmosphere for VIP guests.
The Bayview Lounge, situated in the main building, re-opened as Linwood�s
Bar and Grille following a complete make-over which included the addition
of a new fireplace, new furniture, an enlarged bar, and removal of two
walls to enhance sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
�This renovation adds a sharp, crisp, professional feel to what was
already a beautiful property,� said Kim Crawford, Director of Sales &
Marketing. �It solidifies our place as the top conference center
in the Bay Area and we are sure that clients will notice the difference.�
In conjunction with the renovation work, Chaminade also purchased a
permanent art collection. Designer Lorri Kershner, working primarily with
local artists, selected an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings and textured
wall sculptures. One highlight is an entire wall occupied by a school
of three-dimensional ceramic salmon, swimming towards the Sunset Dining
Room.
Chaminade rests among the rolling hills of the Santa Cruz mountains
overlooking Monterey Bay. The conference center, which offers complete
meeting packages, features 12,000 feet of meeting space, ergonomic chairs,
teambuilding and ropes courses, and the latest in audio/visual and computer
equipment. The recreational amenities include a fitness center, lighted
tennis courts and miles of hiking trails.
History
buffs may be interested to know that Chaminade takes its name from a French
priest and educator, Father William Joseph Chaminade. Father Chaminade
founded the Society of Mary (Marianist) in the late 1700s with the goal
of creating a superior educational system following the chaos of the French
Revolution.
In 1929, Chaminade�s Marianist Brothers began construction
of the Chaminade Boys High School. The building was completed and classes
began in 1930. The building, now fully renovated, forms the core of the
meeting rooms and dining facilities of the Chaminade Conference Center.
Chaminade functioned as a school until World War II, when
it became a novitiate utilized to train novices in the Marianist order.
The training facility continued until the early 1970s when it became a
religious retreat.
Today, Chaminade measures up to the promise of its surroundings,
nestled on a heavily wooded ridge with a spectacular view of the Monterey
Bay. Amid eighty acres of lush manicured landscaping, guests can enjoy
hiking our nature trails, a game of tennis on one of our lighted courts,
a workout in our fitness center or just a relaxing day by the pool. |
Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized
leader in resort, conference center and conference hotel management. |