CHICAGO—Cicero's Development Corp., a contractor that specializes in upgrading hotels, will soon begin a collaboration with the Chicago-based design firm Zimmerman Weintraub Associates LLC on the multi-million dollar renovation of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in suburban Bedford Park. The partners will start work next month and complete the project by May.

Sam Cicero, Sr., who founded the Plainfield, IL-based company in 1970, tells GlobeSt.com that the onset of the recession dried up demand, but since 2013, the hospitality industry has recovered, and the leading brands have started to press their operators to launch long-delayed property-improvement plans. “Travel is at an all-time high,” and Cicero's company has launched renovation projects across the nation. “It's going gangbusters; for our business it's been great.”

“We've weathered a lot of recessions,” he adds, “but that was the longest we've ever had.” The downturn lasted long enough to force many of the most-experienced workers to look for jobs in other industries. “There is a shortage of trained carpenters, electricians, plumbers” and others. Furthermore, many of Cicero's competitors in this niche market went out of business.

Hotel renovations require a specific set of skills most general contractors don't have, Cicero adds. A hotel just can't shut down for a makeover which will last for months, he points out. And most importantly, the renovators have to avoid disturbing guests.

In addition to the Fairfield, Cicero currently has about seven or eight projects in Houston, Pittsburgh and other cities underway. The company typically finishes between 15 and 20 hotels per year.

Located just blocks from Chicago's Midway Airport, the Fairfield will receive upgrades to its reception area, lobby, public spaces and its 114 guest rooms. Cicero will give each room Fairfield's signature "smart" room decor package including a work area, an ergonomic chair, task lighting and new electrical outlets.

Guest rooms will also feature new carpet, lighting, curtains, updated bathrooms with new tile, vinyl wall coverings, tub surrounds and light fixtures, and paint schemes. The public areas will get new carpeting, updated check-in areas and a fitness center.

RLJ Lodging Trust, a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust owns the hotel, and White Lodging provides management.

Instant Insights /

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