| MILWAUKEE - May 22, 2000 -- Marcus Hotels and
Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), has purchased
The Phillips House Hotel, a Kansas City, Mo. landmark property, with plans
to undertake a complete restoration of the hotel.
�The acquisition of The Phillips House Hotel represents an outstanding
opportunity for our full-service hotels and resorts division,� said Lee
A. Berthelsen, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts. �Our team is well-versed
in restoring the splendor, and profitability, of historic landmark hotels.
Once the renovation is complete, we expect The Phillips House Hotel to
be a premier property that will make Kansas City proud.�
Marcus purchased the 240-room hotel from Kansas City Hospitality, L.P.,
a division of Wyndham International, Inc. (NYSE:WYN). Marcus plans to embark
on a restoration process that will include an enlargement and renovation
of all guest rooms and bathrooms, and refurbishment of all public spaces.
�In addition to restoring the hotel�s unique and historic architectural
elements, we hope to create downtown�s finest upscale, boutique hotel providing
personalized service to individual business and leisure travelers, as well
as small groups,� said Berthelsen. According to Berthelsen, the hotel will
be closed for at least six months to complete the renovation. He also noted
that the project is being financed in partnership with the city through
tax incremental financing (TIF) funds.
�City officials have been extremely enthusiastic about our plans to
restore this historic hotel,� Berthelsen said. �Without their shared vision
and cooperation, this project would not have been viable.�
�We are pleased to have Marcus Hotels and Resorts join the Kansas City
hospitality community,� said Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes. �The restoration
of this classic hotel will enhance the convention capabilities of the city
and certainly will be a destination in and of itself, one that will truly
benefit our city.�
The property offers 10,000 square feet of meeting and conference space
including a 2,300 square foot ballroom. Originally the tallest hotel in
the area and one of Kansas City�s most luxurious hotels, it was built in
1931 on the site of the Old Glennon Hotel, in which Harry Truman operated
his famed haberdashery.
| �Restoration Management� is one
of Marcus� particular strong suits. Our success in rebirthing properties
spans more than 35 years, implementing a simple, clear approach to complex
challenges. Every property has its own distinct challenges and opportunities.
Our proficiency lies in evaluating, identifying and prioritizing areas
of improvement.
Our ability to �replenish management,� �re-energize systems,� �retain
the best� human resources, and �revitalize properties� has made Marcus
Hotels and Resorts an industry leader in individualized management services.
Replenish Leadership. Marcus team
members are experts at conceptualizing and rebuilding any facet of operations.
Mr. Otto, Chief Operating Officer, draws on his expertise and thorough
knowledge of all aspects of hotel administration to assure that each Marcus
owned or operated property receives attention, support and operating direction
to prosper.
Every �Marcus success� begins with a clear focus on excellence. At Marcus,
restoration management involves more than adding new brick and mortar.
It involves restoring pride, profits, integrity, and vision, by creating
a corporate culture for success at each property.
Re-energize Systems. Management
systems are developed to work in concert with the owners� core beliefs
and philosophy. Whether as full owner, equity holder, or managing partner,
we operate each property from a well developed, plain language business
plan. We analyze all aspects of operations and recommend capital and staff
enhancements. We then assume day-to-day management responsibility to ensure
maximum return on investment.
Retain the Best Human Resources.
Training that teaches essential skills and attitudes is reinforced consistently
through unique, targeted incentives that ensure loyalty and enthusiasm.
Training programs such as �Marcus Magic,� use the concept �people pleasing
people� to reaffirm Marcus� commitment to quality service through helpful
and courteous associates.
Revitalize Properties. You can see
it in the impressive range of properties owned and/or operated by Marcus
Hotels and Resorts. Over our history, we have rejuvenated a host of properties
returning an innate charm and beauty to each.
For example, the magnificent Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, California.
This 226-room luxury property is a AAA, four Diamond Award winner and the
only member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in the greater Palm
Springs area. Marcus Hotels & Resorts purchased the financially distressed
property in 1996. According to Chief Operating Officer Bill Otto,
the property had an A-1 unique location but was in need of monumental upgrading
of the physical facilities and significantly higher standards of service
and amenities. Marcus immediately focused on upgrading the guest experience,
and the accolades quickly followed. The 11 acre resort, nestled at the
base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, evokes Tuscany with a stunning marble
lobby, earth-tone facades accented by stone archways, exotic gardens and
groves of olive trees.
The famed Grand Geneva Resort & Spa of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is
Marcus� most ambitious restoration project. Originally one of Hugh Hefner�s
Playboy Resorts, the 30 year old property received a complete renovation
totaling more than $30 million, transforming it into one of the premier
resort, golf and spa destinations in the Midwest. Updating the Frank
Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, improving the two tour-quality golf
courses, modernizing the 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and the 3
distinctive restaurants, has earned Grand Geneva Resort & Spa the AAA
Four Diamond Award along with a host of other honors.
Consider the breathtaking Pfister Hotel, the 4-star, 4-diamond crown
jewel of Milwaukee. Built in 1893, the hotel featured richly appointed
rooms, crystal chandeliers and a large art collection. Its grandeur faded
with the general decline of the downtown following World War II. Slated
to be replaced in favor of a parking lot, Marcus purchased the property
and four years and $7 million later restored the Pfister to its original
glory and is today a national historic landmark. And the list goes on and
on �.
Building a Legacy of Success. �I believe that Marcus Hotels and Resorts
will see substantial growth into the millennium,� said CEO Berthelsen.
�With so many corporate hotel consolidations, owners and developers will
look to smaller companies like ours for individualized management services
and specific skill sets. |
Marcus Hotels and Resorts operates seven other full-service hotels and
resorts nationwide with the eighth under construction in Madison, Wis.
In 1962, the company restored the famed Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee and
in 1972, purchased and renovated the well-known Schroeder Hotel, a Milwaukee
landmark that was later renamed the Marc Plaza and eventually re-flagged
as the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in 1995. In 1993, Marcus purchased,
totally renovated and restored the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake
Geneva, Wis., originally known as the Playboy Club Resort. In 1996-97 it
transformed the 1960�s vintage Erawan Garden Hotel into the Miramonte,
a luxury boutique resort in the Palm Springs area, surrounded by lush gardens. |
