Chicago City Officials and Hotel Executives Celebrate the Opening of Milestone Properties

To celebrate the newly opened Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites, Chicago city leaders, real estate developers and Marriott’s executive team celebrated the co-branded milestone hotel – located in the heart of downtown Chicago – with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 13, 2008. Presided over by Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau Executive Vice President Mark Theis, the ceremony was followed by guided tours of the property and a reception for over 200 of the city’s movers and shakers.

Bruce White, chairman of hotel developer White Lodging; Al Friedman, real estate developer; Marriott International’s Executive Vice President Rob Steigerwald; and Hotel General Manager Jerry Keyes all participated in the ceremony.

"Four simple words of Daniel Burnham, 'Make no little plans', have become our mantra at the Bureau and it seems the River North neighborhood and these hotels have the same idea," said Mark Theis, CCTB executive vice president, as he welcomed guests. "Congratulations on the development of these two magnificent properties."

"We are very pleased that our great partner, White Lodging, is bringing this unique combination of two exciting brands – Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites – to the heart of downtown Chicago," said Rob Steigerwald, executive vice president, Marriott International, Inc. "These two hotels will create a fresh new appeal and a whole new choice for the city and our guests. And it’s a great milestone for our SpringHill Suites brand – our 200th property nationwide."

The first time these two brands have been partnered together, the property was developed by White Lodging – one of the fastest growing independent hospitality, development and management companies in the country – and Friedman Properties, River North’s primary developer of mixed-use developments. The Residence Inn and Spring Hill Suites are White Lodging’s first Chicago project in four years and marks the beginning of the company’s ambitious growth plan of adding more than 100 new properties and $1.5b in managed sales over the next five years.

The Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites bring well-appointed suites, an indoor swimming pool and fitness room and friendly, sophisticated service to Chicago business travelers, visitors and residents alike. The hotels, which had their soft opening on March 28, 2008, mark the Chicago area’s first urban location for a SpringHill Suites – which is Marriott’s 200th – showcases the brand’s new design, and is the country’s largest with 253 rooms. In addition, the Residence Inn is the 100th White Lodging managed Marriott property.

The 27-story hotel – a 270-room Residence Inn and a 253-room SpringHill Suites –offer guests the area’s highest level of services, amenities and design.

Located in the heart of Downtown Chicago – On Dearborn Street between Kinzie and Hubbard Streets in the hip River North neighborhood – the Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites are just steps from world-class attractions, shopping, the Loop business district and exciting restaurant and nightlife options. From the Magnificent Mile and State Street shopping corridors to the House of Blues, Theatre District, museums, the Chicago River and area businesses – it’s all just minutes away!

To complete the experience, visitors can dine at the hotel's Hub 51/Sub 51, the latest concepts from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, or Einstein’s Bros. Bagels – both located on site – opening in June 2008.

Click Here for more photos from the Grand Opening Celebration!