Ferchill Group Transforms Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Following a $200 mil Restoration, the Hotel Attracts Chef Michael Symon to Open New Restaurant

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. October 14, 2008

DETROIT, MI, April 23, 2008. Transformation in Detroit continues as the once storied Book Cadillac hotel comes to life as the new Westin Book Cadillac Detroit on October 1, 2008. As construction crews ready this grand dame of hospitality, preparations are underway for a two-day celebration and grand opening on October 24 and 25. The event will mark the next chapter of the historic icon commemorating the completion of the nearly $200 million restoration of what was the tallest hotel in the world when it opened in 1924.

The Ferchill Group, a Cleveland-based development company, is resurrecting the Book Cadillac to its former glory with a 455-room Westin hotel and more than 60 luxury residences situated on the top floors - more than 90 percent of the residences are sold. The Ferchill Group is known for restoring significant historic properties and returning to the community a legendary landmark with contemporary vitality.

"This is our second successful project in Detroit and we hope to continue building in this great city" said The Ferchill Group Chairman and CEO John Ferchill. "Many thought the restoration of the Book could not happen, but we were able to secure a savvy hospitality partner in Westin and with expert construction teams we have been able to execute the massive renovation."

Ferchill added to say, "We are proud to announce that David Boyle, president, Michigan & Northwest Ohio Banking, National City Corporation, and his team will be lead sponsors and partners in the opening celebration. As our financial ally, National City should be recognized for their tremendous investment in Detroit and specifically in this project."

Ferchill announced that award winning Celebrity Chef Michael Symon will open his newest restaurant venture at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Details about the about the opening celebration were also announced.

The Book Cadillac: The Next Chapter

The Book, as a place, evokes something special in Detroiters and the opening will provide a platform for all to participate. On Friday, October 24 the campaign kicks-off with an "un-opening" staged outside the building on one of Detroit's most famous corridors - Washington Boulevard. Free to the public, the line up will include authentic Detroit acts and national talent. Details on the event will be announced early summer.

Owners of Book Cadillac condominiums are excited about becoming new residents. Jon Grabowski is a partner of Esquire Properties, the firm marketing and selling Book Cadillac residences. "This fall, my wife, daughter and I will move into our new home in the Book. This development represents what the future of Detroit can be -- a great place to live, work and play."

The official grand opening will have purpose to celebrate but also to give back. Three charities will benefit from the Saturday, October 25 gala celebration at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit: The Children's Center and Focus Hope, both located in Detroit, and The Jennifer Ferchill Brain Tumor Center at Rainbow Babies, Children's Hospital, based in Cleveland. Guests will be invited to a red carpet ribbon cutting followed by an evening of gourmet dining, a spectacular live show featuring five-time "blue-eyed" soul Grammy winner Michael McDonald; among his releases are two Motown albums. Top ticket holders will retire for the night at the hotel and experience the Westin's iconic Heavenly Bed(R).

Michael Symon Lives to Cook

"Lives to Cook" is Michael Symon's mantra. In 1997 he was named National Rising Star by Restaurant Hospitality magazine. And he has been rising ever since with a multitude of awards and critical acclaim for the two Cleveland restaurants he owns with wife and partner Liz Symon: Lola and Lolita. Last fall, Symon won Food Network's reality competition series, The Next Iron Chef, and he was recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation for 2007 Best Chef-Great Lakes region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Other past television credits include hosting more than 100 episodes of "The Melting Pot" on the Food Network, in addition to appearing on "Sara's Secrets" with Sara Moulton, "Ready! Set! Cook!" and "FoodNation with Bobby Flay." Symon can currently be seen on Iron Chef America, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.

SYMON roasthouse * steaks * bar, an 8,000 square foot restaurant, will open on street level of the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, at the corner of Washington Boulevard and State Street in October. The 200-seat restaurant will have three sections: bar/lounge; main dining room; and a semi-private area which will have the capacity to open for over flow seating and blend seamlessly with the main dining area. Rich reds, amber, copper and gold tones, along with plush fabrics will provide a warm color palette. A rustic and modern theme will incorporate dark wood, metal, glass and fire elements to highlight the roasted meat concept.

The menu will focus on the art of sourcing and preparing artisanal and heritage meats. Whether cured, smoked, braised, spit roasted or wood grilled, Symon will search for the highest quality producers and breeds of pork, bison, wild boar and prime dry aged beef. Signature dishes will include rotisserie suckling pig, dry aged porterhouse for two and an array of house made sausages. A hardwood burning grill and rotisserie promise to give meats a depth of flavor and a smoky char.

"I couldn't be more excited," said Symon. "It's an exhilarating and exhausting experience to launch any restaurant. We plan to bring together a creative team committed to food and service excellence and fun. Guests can count on generous portions of great food with interesting roasted flavors in a hip setting."

Book Cadillac Booking Up

Westin Book Cadillac Detroit General Manager Tim Freisen reported that sales are brisk with meetings, weddings and a complete sell out for the North American International Auto Show in January 2009.

"Interest already shown in the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit is extraordinary," said Freisen. "Our sales staff is busy giving tours and booking business every day. Westin is very proud to be returning to downtown Detroit with an amazing property steeped in history. We're looking forward to serving guests from around the world and in our community. Renewal is our guest focus, and being a part of Detroit's renewal is our privilege."

The hotel will feature three ballrooms, 13 meeting rooms, a street level caf'e, a fine dining Westin restaurant on Level 2 and 24-hour in-room dining. Additionally guests will enjoy several amenities including the Heavenly Bed(R), Heavenly BathSM, in-room spa services, an oversized work desk, 42" Plasma TV, laptop safe, stocked refreshment center, wireless Internet, dual-line cordless telephones, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, Westin's signature bath amenities, as well as a lighted make-up mirror, marble and stone finishes, and abundant natural light. Guests and residents can take advantage of the business center, concierge, full-service banquet and catering services, gift shop, laundry/valet, ATM; WestinWORKOUTSM Fitness Center; heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, steam and sauna; valet parking, covered self-parking on Michigan Avenue.