According to WexTrust representatives, the hotel hasdisassociated with the Days Inn brand, and for the balance of 2006travel season, the property will be operated as the Gold CoastHotel. Once renovations are complete, the hotel will include 196fully appointed guest rooms, a reconfigured lobby-lounge area,2,000 sf of meeting space, a fully equipped fitness center,independently operated spa services, and a new restaurant concept.Interior design and architectural services are being supervised bylocally based Gettys Group, and the hotel will be managed bylocally based Portfolio Hotels & Resorts.

"This was an under-utilized hotel in a prime location that wefelt offered an excellent redevelopment opportunity," says MichaelKochevar, senior vice president of acquisition and development atWexTrust Capital.

WexTrust's retail leasing division vice president Edward L.Dushman says the company has been approached by many high-profilerestaurateurs inquiring about plans for the lobby-level lounge andrestaurant area. "It certainly did not surprise us at all," Dushmansays, "when you consider our location, the property is at the nexusof the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and Old Town."