Marcus Hotels and Resorts will manage the new project, which is being developed by Michael Peterson, president of Timber Ridge Lodge Development LLC. The family-oriented, all-season hotel features a Pacific Northwest, nature-inspired motif with one and two bedroom condominiums that have full kitchens, fireplaces, whirlpool baths and covered balconies.

Highlighting the property is an attached 50,000 square foot family water park (30,000 square feet indoors and 20,000 square feet outdoors), with three activity pools, a lazy river rafting pool, a river plunge pool, multiple slides and three whirlpool spas. Other amenities include a general store, restaurant-cafe, snack bar and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, 3,640 square feet of meeting and conference space, and an entertainment arcade with the latest video games.

�Timber Ridge is an excellent complement to the Grand Geneva. Guests of the Grand Geneva will have access to an exciting new water park. In turn, Timber Ridge guests will be able to enjoy the many amenities of the Grand Geneva, including our two 18-hole golf courses, full-service spa and sport center, ski facilities, 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and five restaurants and lounges,� said Lee Berthelsen, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts. He noted that Timber Ridge will be the second water park the company manages. In August, Marcus Hotels and Resorts opened the country�s first water park at an urban hotel at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

�We look forward to managing one of the Midwest�s most excit ing new attractions. Michael Peterson�s expertise in developing high-end condominium hotels ensures that the property will reflect the quality of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa,� said Berthelsen.

�We selected our location and Marcus Hotels and Resorts as our manager because of the enormous success of the nearby Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Marcus Hotels and Resorts has a reputation for excellence and experience in the hospitality industry, as well as its vast knowledge of the Midwest marketplace,� said Michael Peterson, president of Timber Ridge Lodge Development, LLC.  �I am confident that families will find Timber Ridge one of the most enjoyable experiences in the country.�

Berthelsen said the Timber Ridge development is part of the company�s aggressive strategy to increase the number of rooms it manages. �Our plan is to grow primarily through management contracts, with a small equity investment in selected properties,� he said.

Phase one of the development, including 111 guest suites and the water park and other amenities, is expected to open in July 2001.

Marcus Hotels and Resorts operates seven full-service hotels and resorts nationwide with two additional properties under development in Madison, Wis. and Kansas City, Mo.