R. Maurice Crowe Jr., owner of the Dallas-based investmentgroup, the 30-year-old hotel at 1750 W. Loop South was appealingbecause of the Marriott brand, location and occupancy. "Theoccupancy is running around 75% with the ADR at $138 to $140 pernight," he tells GlobeSt.com "It's doing pretty well in a goodmarket despite the fact it needs a fairly major rehab."

Crowe estimates the rehab will take about two years to complete.The work will include retooling lobbies and guestrooms. Crowe sayshe's in talks with two interior designers to help with theredesign. And, he adds, proposals will shortly go out to generalcontractors. Marriott International Inc. will take over managementof the holding later this month from New York City-based BlackstoneGroup.

Crowe says that RM Crowe focuses mostly on office and medicalproperties in Texas, but isn't averse to going outside the boxevery now and then when it comes to investments. Marriott HoustonWest Loop, situated on 1.5 acres, is the company's secondhospitality acquisition. It also owns the Park Cities Hilton at5954 Luther Lane in Dallas.