Aparium Hotel Group Plans $28M 100-key Hotel Redevelopment of Historic Detroit Fire Department HQ
The Foundation Hotel to Open in Late 2015
CHICAGO - July 3, 2014 - Aparium Hotel Group today announced plans to reimagine, renovate and redevelop the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room upscale independent hotel. Together with established Detroit developer Walter Cohen, Aparium is set to embark on a $28 million project that will transform the one-of-a-kind space into a truly original hotel with a "Detroit State of Mind" and a deep appreciation for Detroit's past and a celebration of its promising future. Scheduled to open in late 2015, Aparium will be responsible for the positioning, pre-opening and ongoing management of the property named The Foundation Hotel. This property represents the fourth consecutive and locally relevant hotel project for the newly formed Aparium Hotel Group by hospitality veterans Kevin Robinson and Mario Tricoci.
"Aparium is honored to play a role in the important resurgence of Detroit," said Mario Tricoci, Chief Executive Officer / Managing Partner, Aparium Hotel Group. "We are inspired to be part of making Detroit a city beyond industry - a city of ideas, verve and unmatched enterprise. We are committed to raising the bar and delivering a hotel that captures the true character and hospitality of Detroit. There's nowhere else we'd rather be."
Integrating the 1929 former Detroit Fire Headquarters with the adjacent historic Pontchatrain Cellars restaurant building, The Foundation Hotel will showcase a design concept deeply rooted in the heart of the great City. Aparium will draw from the greatness of Detroit through innovative and strategic relationships with designers, manufacturers and vendors to deliver an experience that is a source of pride for the community. With plans to hire and uniquely train mostly Detroit-based employees, The Foundation Hotel, located at 234-250 West Larned Street, is expected to bring over 100 full and part-time jobs to the Detroit market.
Both the hotel and restaurant will deliver on the Aparium coined mantra "Translocal Hospitality." This translates to mean a steadfast commitment to genuine service and authentic experiences. "Through its design, sense of civic pride and keen focus on unscripted thoughtful and high quality service, The Foundation Hotel will be an inspiring and transcendent place - a true outcropping of what is happening in Detroit - a city rich in history, art, architecture and culture," said Tricoci. "It is our vision that the hotel tells the transformative tale of the City as the poignant center of the true life story of re-creation of one of the world's greatest and most powerful cities."
The hotel will include an expansive ground floor restaurant in the former fire engine hall delivering elevated cuisine in an approachable atmosphere. The restaurant will pay homage to the region through partnerships with local distillers, brewers, farmers, and purveyors. The first of its kind in Detroit, a chef's table will deliver a destination prix fixe experience as well as serve as an incubator for up-and-coming chefs and a homecoming platform for great chefs who have left the area.
Like the hotel and restaurant, a ground floor retail experience will showcase Detroit through the collaboration with Detroit- and Michigan-based manufacturers and designers.
"Aparium Hotel Group's investment in Detroit and plans to restore a historic landmark into a destination boutique hotel is exactly what our city has been waiting for," said Dan Mullen, VP of Leasing and Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services. "Detroit's real estate market is prime for unique retail, housing and hotels. I have no doubt that The Foundation Hotel will be extremely successful."
About Aparium Hotel Group
Aparium Hotel Group is a leading hotel company founded and controlled by experienced professionals in hotel development, management and marketing who came together with one seminal belief - that great hotels are a destination sought out by travelers and a favorite place for locals. A philosophy Aparium calls Translocal Hospitality.
The company is committed to and engaged in a partnership of vision with independent hotel owners who know their communities intimately, and their properties are a source of pride. By fostering collaboration, Aparium delivers measurable, sustainable return on investment through transparency and accountability at all stages of operation. Under its Intuitive Service Model, Aparium believes every employee is empowered to create remarkable moments for each guest. This proven approach not only increases efficiencies, but also dramatically improves the guest experience through anticipatory service.
Aparium Hotel Group currently has several new and exciting projects in the works that will be announced soon. For more information about Aparium Hotel Group visit, www.aparium.com or call, 312.275.1080.
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