Located in Downtown Columbus, the hotel is connected to the Southern Theatre, a historically restored, 933-seat performing arts forum. "This is the fourth historic hotel in our portfolio," boasts Bill Otto, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts. "We have significant expertise in this unique segment of the hotel industry, ranging from careful restoration to understanding the complexities of historic tax credits."

Company officials said the hotel will undergo a "substantial renovation to bring the property to peak operating condition," including upgrades to all guest rooms and creating a new dining experience "in harmony with the property's historic setting."

Marcus now has 15 hotels in its portfolio, including the recently opened 226-room Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile and the recently acquired 220-room Wyndham Milwaukee Center. The company's Platinum Hotel & Spa, a 255-suite condo-hotel, is scheduled to open shortly in Las Vegas, and the firm's fifth historic hotel, the 224-room Skirvin Hotel Oklahoma City, is currently being renovated and is scheduled to re-open in the first quarter of 2007.