Mike Murray, senior vice president of operations at Sage Hospitality Resources, described Mr. Mayes, whose distinguished career in the hospitality industry spans over 22 years, as uniquely positioned to lead the The Blackstone and to establish the hotel as a benchmark of excellence in luxury, style and service:

�Mr. Mayes brings impeccable credentials and an outstanding track record in hospitality to the project in addition to a profound understanding of The Blackstone�s special role as a cultural icon that is uniquely Chicago,� said Mr. Murray. �His vision, expertise and passion for service- combined with a luxury hotel that marries its historic roots with contemporary design savvy- promise to make every stay at The Blackstone an exceptional guest experience,� added Mr. Murray.

Sage�s $112 million renovation of the long dormant, 23-story, Beaux-Arts Blackstone Hotel into a luxury Renaissance hotel is scheduled for completion later this year. Located on Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Chicago�s arts and theatre district, The Blackstone will feature 332 stylish guest rooms, 12 sumptuous suites, 13,230 square feet of meeting space, a health club and business center and a gallery of Chicago art.  A street level Starbucks Café with outdoor seating will serve hotel guests, the local business community and neighborhood residents. 

The Sage Restaurant Group will also open and operate a signature destination restaurant at the Michigan Avenue location. Inspired by Barcelona�s fresh markets, Mercat a la Planxa will offer diners tapas and chops-- a fusion of traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist in a richly colored and artful setting overlooking Grant Park and the lakefront.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former Blackstone Hotel was celebrated as the �Hotel of Presidents� and played host to countless celebrities including Katherine Hepburn, Tennessee Williams and Paul Newman before it closed its doors.

In his position as general manager, Mr. Mayes will provide leadership for the opening and on-going operations of The Blackstone.

Most recently, Mr. Mayes was the general manager for the Hyatt Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, he has held key executive posts at prominent hotels in major markets throughout the country including Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC; Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, MO and the Hyatt Regency Tech Center, Denver, CO. (Mr. Mayes also has a Chicago connection, having served as the general manager of the Hyatt University Village).

A graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, Mr. Mayes earned a BBA in Administration and Accounting. Mr. Mayes also has a strong history of civic and philanthropic commitments including leadership positions with the Charlotte, NC Chamber of Commerce, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Goodwill Industries of America. In addition, he has been a strong advocate for a variety of important diversity and education initiatives, volunteering actively on projects with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, the Johnson and Wales Externship Program and the Charlotte Chamber�s Black Professional Network. 

About Sage Hospitality Resources

Founded in 1984, Sage Hospitality Resources has strategically grown into one of the largest privately held hotel management and development company in the nation. 

During the past five years, the Denver, CO-based firm has completed over $1.1 billion in acquisition and development projects, using some of the most unique financing structures in the industry. Sage is a preferred franchise partner for Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. In addition to major international brands, Sage�s comprehensive management portfolio includes independent hotels such as the visionary 21C Hotel/Museum in Louisville, KY (the signature hotel incorporates an art museum devoted to collecting and displaying living, contemporary artists from around the world.

Sage�s new Restaurant Group has opened its first restaurant, The Corner Office Restaurant and Martini Bar adjacent to the Curtis hotel in Downtown Denver. The Restaurant Group plans 22 individually themed, destination restaurants nationwide by 2011. 

Sage is also nationally recognized for converting historic properties into signature hotels.  Since 1997, when the company pioneered its first urban redevelopment initiative, Sage has preserved and transformed six underutilized national landmarks into award-winning hotel properties that serve as an important catalyst for downtown revitalization. Other historic projects that have recently been completed or are in the process of renovation are the Renaissance Providence Hotel in Providence, RI and The Nines, a Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel, in Portland, Oregon.

Susanne Voeltz
Phone: 608/284-0848
[email protected]