Mark van Hartesvelt, principal with Gemstone, tells GlobeSt.com that under the company's supervision, the hotel will be "upgraded and the style will feel more like the House of Blues." Renovations will include enhancements to guest rooms, meeting space, Kazbar Lounge, public areas, the arrival "experience" and a new spa.

The Gemstone executive also says the company will boost the hotel's appeal by strengthening the relationship with fellow Marine City tenants, including the House of Blues Club and Foundation Room, Smith and Wollensky's, Bin 36, 10-Pin Bowling, Crunch Fitness Center and Harry Carry's Restaurant.

"We're going to try to bring that whole complex together," van Hartesvelt tells GlobeSt.com. "It's our view that all those entertainment pieces will work together, and once we start marketing the complex, it will really juice up the competitive advantage."

The House of Blues Hotel, which was recently purchased by LaSalle Hotel Properties for $114 million, is one of many that have changed hands Downtown just this year. LaSalle Hotel in February closed on the 751-room Westin Michigan Avenue; Bethesda, MD-based DiamondRock Hospitality Co. obtained ownership of the Chicago Marriott Downtown last month; and earlier this week, New York City-based Denihan Hospitality completed its purchase of the Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel.

But van Hartesvelt, whose company currently manages or asset manages 21 resort-type properties throughout the US, isn't daunted by the Windy City's increased hotel activity. "Chicago is very sophisticated market," he says. "You have to know what you're doing, or you'll be spanked pretty quickly."

Instant Insights /

Utah-based Resort Management Firm Lands House of Blues Contract

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