Joint Venture Begins Renovation of Lexington Hotel

Madison W, Interstate and the Webb Companies

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. March 16, 2009

LEXINGTON, KY, March 16, 2009 - Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center, a Hilton Affiliate Hotel, announced that it has begun its anticipated $13 million renovation. The refurbishment of the hotel's 367 guestrooms, interior public spaces, grand ballroom and meeting rooms is expected to be completed over the course of the next year. The hotel will remain open during construction.

"The renovation of Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center will be completed in phases over the year," said Peter C. Lewis, president and chief investment officer of Madison W Properties. "Work has begun on the hotel's atrium, grand ballroom and meeting rooms. The refurbishment of the hotel will ensure that it remains the premier destination for business and leisure travelers in Lexington."

Influenced by Kentucky's scenic landscape and equestrian heritage, the design concept for the hotel's public spaces, guestrooms, restaurant, grand ballroom and meeting rooms incorporates regional motifs. Developed by Atlanta firm Design Continuum, Inc., the updated interiors will feature a vibrant color palette inspired by regional country scenery. Rich shades of red, green, blue and gold will be found throughout the 22-story hotel's interior as a modern take on traditional Kentucky design.

A joint venture among Madison W Properties, Interstate Hotels & Resorts and Lexington-based The Webb Companies, the hotel is connected via a skywalk to Lexington Center, central Kentucky's premiere sports and entertainment complex that includes Rupp Arena, Lexington Convention Center and The Shops at Lexington Center.

Lobby

From the moment guests enter the hotel, they will experience an elegant Kentucky theme that reflects the commonwealth's history and culture. The lobby will feature new registration desks made out of handsome mahogany wood that include brushed nickel accents and polished white quartz countertops. Two large wall treatments made out of woven cherry wood will be installed that will add visual interest to the space.

Local artists have been selected to display their works prominently in the hotel's lobby. The works will include a magnificent 30-foot high sculpture of running horses created by Seth Tuska; to be installed above a fountain designed by Tamara Cassidy of Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services. The new water feature will contain elements of Lexington's famous Triangle Park fountains. Additionally, 20-foot high scenic photographs of horses by photographer Doug Prather will be mounted on the lobby's walls that will be rotated four times a year to reflect the seasons.

"I'm devoted to infusing the local elements that make Lexington so special into the design of the hotel," added Lewis. "Our goal is to create an indigenous personality for the property."

Guestrooms

Most of the hotel's guest accommodations will be updated with a sophisticated new look that will include designer selected linens and window treatments, furniture and furnishings, wall coverings and carpeting and enhanced bathrooms. Continuing the Kentucky theme into the guestrooms, white headboards have been chosen that are reminiscent of picket fences found throughout the commonwealth. Calming greens and blues will be used throughout the rooms to provide each guest with a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. Large flat panel LCD televisions will be installed to modernize each guestroom.

The guest bathrooms have been designed to be urbane and bright and will showcase a crisp, clean d'ecor. Classic furniture-style vanities with a golden wood tone and blue-green granite countertops will be the focal point of the new bathrooms. The selected wall coverings feature a simple scroll pattern that has a tranquil metallic quality. Neutral colored stone-like porcelain tiles have been selected for the flooring and showers and a mixture of brushed and polished chrome fixtures will be used throughout each bathroom.

Each guestroom is expected to be furnished with the Hilton Serenity Collection(R) of amenities, which includes the Pacific Coast(R) down duvet, Super Topper mattress pads and top-quality linens and pillows. Anticipated standard amenities include the Hilton Serenity Bath Collection, featuring the exclusive Crabtree and Evelyn line of La Source(R) bath products; a Cuisinart(R) dual-cup, single brew coffeemaker and Lavazza(R) coffee; the easy-to-set Hilton Family alarm clock with MP3 player connectivity and high-speed Internet wireless access.

Suites

The hotel's four suites are scheduled to be expanded and redesigned into three distinct living areas to provide formality and elegance to each space. A luxurious color palette of gold, red and teal has been selected and will be integrated into the fabrics, furnishings and carpeting used in the spacious suites. Furniture including plush sofas, arm chairs and chaise lounges and large dining room tables, end tables and executive desks made out of mahogany will complement the rich color scheme. The suites' master bathrooms are designed as an extension of the bedrooms and will feature glass mosaic wall tiles, a water closet and walk-in shower. Each suite will also include an additional 1/2 bath, two flat panel LCD televisions and upgraded wood tiles in the foyer.

Caf'e on the Park

Caf'e on the Park, located on the main floor of the hotel offering exceptional American cuisine and fine wines, will undergo a comprehensive renovation as well that will feature a bright color palette, relocated main entrance and new furniture and furnishings. Showcasing spectacular views of Triangle Park's illuminated fountains through floor-to-ceiling windows, the upscale yet informal restaurant will be a contemporary twist on the hotel's Kentucky theme. Floral patterns on fabrics and carpeting and sky blue accent colors will intermix to create a park-like ambience.

Exterior of Hotel

In an effort to enhance Lexington's downtown skyline and emphasize that the hotel is a local landmark, two bands of LED lighting will be installed at the top of the building that will be illuminated at night. Using the latest LED light technology, the color of the bands will be changed throughout the year in conjunction with significant holidays.

Grand Ballroom and Meeting Rooms

Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center is the preeminent venue for business meetings, conventions, conferences and special events for groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 guests. Featuring more than 16,000 square feet of event space, the hotel's Grand Ballroom and numerous meeting rooms will be refurbished and modernized. Custom-made chandeliers and wall sconces and traditional wall covering will be installed in the 6,850-square foot Grand Ballroom. Additionally, a new setting for weddings and corporate events will be created in the space formerly occupied by Spirits Lounge.00.445.8667 or hilton.com.