previously announced

Renovation plans include larger-than-average rooms; repurposing existing office space to increase the number of guest rooms from 140 to 204; and doubling meeting space from the current 2,500 sf to 5,000 sf.

Bob DiLeonardo, principal of the hospitality in terior design firm, DiLeonardo International Inc., is heading hotel's overhaul. DiLeonardo was also responsible for the 2005 renovations to the Affinia Gardens and Affinia Manhattan hotels, as well as earlier renovations to the Affinia 50, Affinia Dumont and the Benjamin hotels.

Following renovations, signature items--such as the Affinia Pillow Menu and Affinia Bed--will be added, as well as specialized services and amenities to reflect the hotel's concept. The official hotel re-launch is scheduled spring 2007.

"We are very excited to introduce the Affinia experience to executive and leisure travelers to Chicago," Patrick Denihan, co-CEO of DHG said in a statement. "The acquisition of the Affinia Chicago is a major stepping stone toward our goal of extending the Affinia brand portfolio nationally into the top 25 US markets."

DHG currently owns and operates six hotels in New York under the Benjamin and Affinia Hotels brands and manages several independent properties.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM Digital Member, you’ll receive:

  • Breaking commercial real estate news and analysis, on-site and via our newsletters and custom alerts
  • Educational webcasts, white papers, and ebooks from industry thought leaders
  • Critical coverage of the property casualty insurance and financial advisory markets on our other ALM sites, PropertyCasualty360 and ThinkAdvisor
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.