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Highgate Holdings Begins Second Phase of  $30 million
Transformation at Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco

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New restaurant, CRAVE 55, will open in March

SAN FRANCISCO (November 20, 2008) � Rob Gauthier, Managing Director of Parc 55 Hotel San Francisco, is pleased to announce the official redesign plans for Phase Two of his hotel�s $30 million transformation.  The second phase of Parc 55 Hotel�s makeover includes major upgrades in the lobby, reception area, and award-winning meeting and event spaces � and a new restaurant called CRAVE 55, a stylish and inviting new eatery with an eclectic menu.  CRAVE 55 will open in March, 2009, with the rest of the exciting changes slated to finish in May, 2009.  Parc 55�s team has carefully organized the makeover so the hotel can maintain its excellent level of service, with minimal disruption to guests.

�We have been honored nationally for providing an exceptional experience to our hotel guests, especially when they come to Parc 55 Hotel for meetings and events, so we�re thrilled to expand and redecorate those areas of the hotel and enhance that experience during this second phase of our transformation,� said Gauthier.  �During Phase One, we redesigned our 1,010 guest rooms, all 15 suites, our Club Lounge and our 24-Hour Fitness Center.  Throughout the process we feel we constantly provided the highest level of service to our hotel guests, and we are certain that same excellent hospitality will be notable in this second phase of our transformation.�

During Phase Two the guest registration will move from the first floor to the second floor, creating a more intuitive path for visitors from the porte-cochere to the reception area.  The new �heart� of the hotel is centered on the second floor, with guest reception and concierge services and the new restaurant, CRAVE 55.  A stylish, inviting lounge, Fizz, creates a link between the guest service areas and CRAVE 55, making it easy for guests to gather for cocktails or a quick bite after checking in.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Brian Healy, the menu at CRAVE 55 will feature a wide selection of items from all-American steaks and chops to freshly-rolled sushi.  A dramatic bar called Fizz is decorated in plush wine colors and rich, textured leather furniture, providing a casual environment to network with colleagues or old friends while sharing small plates and signature cocktails.  The open layout of CRAVE 55, along with the welcoming atmosphere of Fizz, makes it easy to gather with intimate or large groups, and the rich, stylish décor makes it a fun place to re-connect.  With seating for up to 174 people, CRAVE 55 will also be able to accommodate busy guests with a �grab-and-go� service near the lobby. 

Parc 55 Hotel has been nationally recognized for its exceptional meeting and event space, technical support and convention services.  Phase Two of the transformation will enhance that experience by expanding Parc 55 Hotel�s meeting and event space to 30,000 square feet.  The expansion will be carefully orchestrated in stages so the hotel will always be available for event planners who are booking parties, seminars and meetings.   All meeting spaces and ballrooms will be upgraded with new carpeting, sleek lighting fixtures, ceiling tiles, window treatments and wall coverings.  In particular, the lighting will be more soothing and environmentally responsible.  Parc 55 Hotel has been recognized nationally for its prudent energy management strategies and is one of the few hotels in San Francisco to earn Energy Star designations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Gensler, a design firm at the forefront of green and sustainable architecture, has created a new look and a neutral palette for CRAVE 55, Fizz and for Parc 55�s main entrance, lobby, reception, and meeting areas.  The approach throughout the hotel is contemporary, yet relaxed and comfortable, with most of the décor in shades of brown and grey � accented by subtle, rich hues of red and blue. 

Parc 55 Hotel recently completed Phase One of its transformation which included upgrades to all guestrooms and suites as well as the Club Lounge and 24-hour Fitness Center. All guest rooms and suites were redesigned and refurnished with everything from flat-panel TVs to high-quality linens.  Each room was also fitted with a �Jack Pack,� a conveniently located power strip affixed to the side of the desk, providing outlets to recharge and connect cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, PDAs, and other electrical devises, saving guests from the all-too-familiar exercise of searching the room for electrical hook-ups. 
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Parc 55 King Room


Parc 55 Double Room

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The Club Lounge has been refurnished with comfortable contemporary seating in rich hues of brown, beige, copper and blue making for an elegant and relaxing area where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and light bites, and cocktails from happy hour through 10 p.m.  The newly renovated 24-hour Fitness Center offers an extensive variety of cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights for health-conscious business or leisure travelers. 

Parc 55 Hotel is a short stroll from San Francisco�s world-renowned Union Square, the iconic address of Macy�s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and dozens of stylish boutiques.  Parc 55 is also half a block from Westfield San Francisco Centre, home of the second-largest Bloomingdale�s in the country, and just a block from the city�s major-production theatre district.  The Hotel has also long been popular for its literally steps-away proximity to BART, the San Francisco Bay Area�s rapid transit system.  Business travelers with appointments in Oakland, Emeryville, South San Francisco or other outlying cities can get to their meetings easily, without cab or car rental costs, and zip back to the hotel in plenty of time to enjoy the city�s vibrant dining and nightlife.

Parc 55 Hotel San Francisco is owned and operated by Highgate Holdings in partnership with Rockpoint Group, L.L.C.

About Highgate Holdings
Highgate Holdings is a privately held investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

About Rockpoint Group, L.L.C.
Rockpoint Group, L.L.C. is a global investment management firm that targets a broad range of real estate-related investments across many asset classes and geographic regions.  Rockpoint was formed in 2003 by Patrick K. Fox, Keith B. Gelb, Gregory J. Hartman, Jonathan H. Paul and William H. Walton, who have been investing together for more than ten years and have been instrumental in investing more than $5 billion of equity in a wide range of real estate investments representing a total capitalization of approximately $24 billion. 

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Contact:

Casey Shaughnessy-Gray
415-394-6500, ext. 212
 

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Also See: Glen Varda Appointed Director of Sales at the Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco / June 2008
Highgate Holdings Begins $30-million Renovation of the 25 Year Old Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco / February 2008
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