Sage Names GM for The Blackstone, a Renaissance Hotel

$112 million Renovation of Chicago’s Legendary Hotel Set for Completion Late in 2007

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. October 14, 2008

HICAGO, IL, September 4, 2007. Sage Hospitality Resources, the Denver, Co -based hospitality company that is renovating - and will manage - The Blackstone, a Renaissance Hotel has appointed Fletcher C. Mayes as the general manager.

Mike Murray, senior vice president of operations at Sage Hospitality Resources, described Mr. Mayes, whose distinguished career in the hospitality industry spans over 22 years, as uniquely positioned to lead the The Blackstone and to establish the hotel as a benchmark of excellence in luxury, style and service:

"Mr. Mayes brings impeccable credentials and an outstanding track record in hospitality to the project in addition to a profound understanding of The Blackstone's special role as a cultural icon that is uniquely Chicago," said Mr. Murray. "His vision, expertise and passion for service- combined with a luxury hotel that marries its historic roots with contemporary design savvy- promise to make every stay at The Blackstone an exceptional guest experience," added Mr. Murray.

Sage's $112 million renovation of the long dormant, 23-story, Beaux-Arts Blackstone Hotel into a luxury Renaissance hotel is scheduled for completion later this year. Located on Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Chicago's arts and theatre district, The Blackstone will feature 332 stylish guest rooms, 12 sumptuous suites, 13,230 square feet of meeting space, a health club and business center and a gallery of Chicago art. A street level Starbucks Caf'e with outdoor seating will serve hotel guests, the local business community and neighborhood residents.

The Sage Restaurant Group will also open and operate a signature destination restaurant at the Michigan Avenue location. Inspired by Barcelona's fresh markets, Mercat a la Planxa will offer diners tapas and chops-- a fusion of traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist in a richly colored and artful setting overlooking Grant Park and the lakefront.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former Blackstone Hotel was celebrated as the "Hotel of Presidents" and played host to countless celebrities including Katherine Hepburn, Tennessee Williams and Paul Newman before it closed its doors.

In his position as general manager, Mr. Mayes will provide leadership for the opening and on-going operations of The Blackstone.

Most recently, Mr. Mayes was the general manager for the Hyatt Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, he has held key executive posts at prominent hotels in major markets throughout the country including Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC; Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, MO and the Hyatt Regency Tech Center, Denver, CO. (Mr. Mayes also has a Chicago connection, having served as the general manager of the Hyatt University Village).

A graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, Mr. Mayes earned a BBA in Administration and Accounting. Mr. Mayes also has a strong history of civic and philanthropic commitments including leadership positions with the Charlotte, NC Chamber of Commerce, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Goodwill Industries of America. In addition, he has been a strong advocate for a variety of important diversity and education initiatives, volunteering actively on projects with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, the Johnson and Wales Externship Program and the Charlotte Chamber's Black Professional Network.