The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, Announces Managing Director and Director of Sales & Marketing Appointments

Robert Andrews & Allison Ante Join an All-Star Team at the Historic Lower Manhattan Property

. May 20, 2015

NEW YORK CITY, NY. - May 20, 2015. GB Lodging and Thompson Hotels announce the appointments of Managing Director Robert Andrews and Director of Sales and Marketing Allison Ante to the executive team of The Beekman, a new Thompson Hotel opening within an historic landmark in Lower Manhattan. Mr. Andrews and Ms. Ante join an illustrious team of some of the world's greatest talent, including chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio, interior designer Martin Brudnizki, and restaurant-auteur Keith McNally. Located at the center of Lower Manhattan's thriving new downtown, The Beekman is anarchitectural gem, hailed for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight. The 287-room hotel is scheduled to open in Winter 2015.

“We are thrilled to have the luxury lifestyle experience of Robert Andrews and Allison Ante at the forefront of what will be an iconic Manhattan hotel,” said Bruce Blum, President & Co-Founder of GB Lodging. Mr. Andrews and Ms. Ante bring extensive expertise to The Beekman. Mr. Andrews, a decorated graduate of London South Bank University, most recently served as Director of Operations for the four New York City Kimpton Hotels. Previously, he was General Manager for both the Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand Hotels. Ms. Ante, an alumnus of Johnson & Wales University, brings over 15 years of hospitality industry experience to The Beekman. Her prior positions include Global Director of Sales for the Viceroy Hotel Collection, and most recently the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand Hotels.

“We're proud to have Robert and Allison at the helm of this visionary hotel project, which we're confident will set a new benchmark for our Thompson brand,” said Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels & Resorts, which operates Thompson Hotels.

Originally built in 1881 as one of Manhattan's first skyscrapers, The Beekman was designed by architect James M. Farnsworth in the traditional Queen Anne style. The crown of this architectural jewel, which is being restored to perfect form today, is its magnificent pyramidal atrium with ornate Victorian railings and balustrades. Award-winning architecture firm Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel and globally renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki are restoring and reimagining the historic property.

The Beekman will also debut restaurants by James Beard Award winners Keith McNally and Tom Colicchio. Mr. McNally's restaurant will be his first in the neighborhood, seating approximately 90 guests. In addition to a restaurant at The Beekman, Mr. Colicchio's Craft Hospitality is also the appointed food and beverage partner, providing room service and event catering throughout the hotel.

The Beekman, at 5 Beekman Street, is located between the East and Hudson Rivers and surrounded by some of New York City's most cherished attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and the World Trade Center. Lower Manhattan is flourishing, with 1.5 million square feet of new and repositioned retail and restaurant space slated to open by the end of 2015. New developments to the neighborhood include the shopping and dining mecca Brookfield Place; Fulton Center, a transit hub bringing together nine subway lines; and the forthcoming Westfield World Trade Center, anchored by the Santiago Calatrava-designed “Oculus”.

In 2013, GB Lodging and affiliate GFI Development Company commenced the redevelopment of the landmark property into a hotel, as well as the ground-up construction of a conjoined condominium tower, The Beekman Residences. The 165,000-square-foot hotel is scheduled to open in winter 2015, followed by The Beekman Residences in early 2016.

About GB Lodging, LLC

GB Lodging, LLC is a hotel investment, development and asset management firm focused on the lifestyle segment of the hospitality industry. The firm was co-founded by real estate/finance industry entrepreneur Allen Gross, Founder & President of GFI Capital Resources Group, parent company to GFI Development, and Bruce Blum, a 30 year hotel industry veteran. GB Lodging's seasoned executive team has completed $4+ billion of hotel transactions and has 100+ years of principal and executive level experience throughout several hotel industry cycles. www.gblodging.com

About Thompson Hotels

Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes Gild Hall and Smyth in New York City; Thompson Chicago; Thompson Toronto; Belgraves in London; and, the recently opened Thompson Miami Beach. Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including The Cape in Los Cabos, Thompson Playa del Carmen, The Beekman in Lower Manhattan, Thompson Nashville, and Thompson Seattle. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

Media Contact:
Candice Bruder
Nadine Johnson & Associates
[email protected]
212-228-5555

Business Contact:

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