Hotel Cass Chicago Names GM
Holiday Inn Express
CHICAGO, IL, JULY 30, 2007. The historic Hotel Cass, 640 N. Wabash Avenue, will open its doors in late summer as the Hotel Cass Mag Mile Chicago after an extensive $16 million redevelopment. Key management is being put into place to prepare for the hip boutique's opening, Michael "Mike" P. Zels, a 25-year hospitality industry veteran, has been appointed general manager for the 175-room boutique property. This property will be the newest metropolitan destination addition for the Holiday Inn Express flag. Zels is overseeing final renovations and building the team that will welcome guests during the busy summer and fall travel season upcoming.
The property is being redeveloped by a partnership of three industry veterans who, together, make up HCP Oxford OBG Cass Property Company, LLC. The group includes Oxford Capital Group, LLC, a real estate and private equity investment firm and holding company; The Bricton Group, Inc., a full service hotel management firm; and Gettys, an award-winning interior design, design architecture and fulfillment firm.
"Mike's key relationships within the hospitality industry, his clear understanding of doing business in Chicago's' central business district, and his reputation for delivering quality guest service were all key factors in our decision to place him at the helm of this high profile new property in our portfolio," said Edward Doherty, president and CEO of The Bricton Group, Inc.
Prior to joining the management team, Zels worked for the Hilton Hotels Corporation, holding general manager positions at the 300-room Red Lion Denver Central and the 370-room Doubletree Tulsa at Warren Place. In Chicago, he earned his hotel stripes working as night hotel manager for the 1544-room Hilton Chicago and Towers while attending Roosevelt University where he earned his hospitality and tourism management degree. Earlier in his career, Zels also held management roles at the Adams Mark Daytona Beach, for South Seas Resorts, and for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
While studying at Roosevelt University in Chicago, he was the recipient of the prestigious Steven J. Belmonte Hotel Management Scholarship Award, and received an Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional GPA while committed to a full time career in the hotel Industry with a major convention hotel.
He is an active member of area hotel and tourism associations including the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Chicago Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. Originally from Rolling Meadows, he now lives in Chicago's new west side. Zels is a NASCAR enthusiast, thanks to his experiences while working in Daytona Beach. During his leisure time, he also enjoys a great day on the golf course or biking along Chicago's lakefront.
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