Craig Pearson Appointed AGM for Blackstone Renaissance
CHICAGO, IL, November 12, 2007. Fletcher Mayes, the general manager of The Blackstone-A Renaissance Hotel, has announced the appointment of Craig Pearson as assistant general manager for the hotel. The Blackstone, a Chicago architectural and cultural icon, is undergoing a $118 million showcase restoration transforming the Beaux-Arts, national landmark into a luxury Renaissance Hotel.
Mr. Mayes described Mr. Pearson, whose career in the hospitality industry spans over 15 years, as an ideal fit to help lead the The Blackstone and to assist in establishing the hotel as a benchmark of excellence in luxury, style, and service: "Craig Pearson brings an outstanding track record in the hospitality industry to The Blackstone with a knowledge of the Chicago market, a comprehensive understanding of successful hotel operations as well as a demonstrated commitment to superior customer service," said Mr. Mayes.
In his position as assistant general manager, Mr. Pearson will assist Fletcher Mayes, the general manager, in providing leadership for the opening and on-going operations of The Blackstone.
Most recently, Mr. Pearson was director of rooms for the Omni Chicago Hotel in Downtown Chicago. In addition, he has held executive customer service posts at prominent hotels in major markets including the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, Sacramento, CA; W Chicago City Center and Chicago Marriott Downtown-both in Chicago, IL and the Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown, NY. A graduate of Purdue University in Lafayette, IN, Mr. Pearson earned a B.S. degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.
Sage Hospitality Resources, the Denver, Colorado based hospitality firm, is renovating The Blackstone and is also managing the four-star property, which is expected to open in early 2008.
Located on Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Chicago's arts and theatre district, The Blackstone will be a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design. Video art and over 1400 other original artworks by Chicago artists promise to lend a decidedly contemporary twist to the ambiance of the hotel. The Blackstone features 332 stylish guest rooms, 12 sumptuous suites, 13,230 square feet of meeting space, and a health club and business center. A street level Starbucks Caf'e with outdoor seating will serve hotel guests, the local business community and neighborhood residents. The Sage Restaurant Group will also open and operate an independent destination restaurant at the Michigan Avenue location, Mercat a la Planxa, offering modern Catalan cuisine.
Founded in 1984, Sage Hospitality Resources has strategically grown into one of the largest privately held hotel management and development company in the nation.
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