Birmingham Building to Become a Lexington Collection Hotel

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. October 14, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, AL, December 27, 2006. The historic 1926 Federal Reserve building in Birmingham, AL will soon be part of Vantage Hospitality's Lexington Collection and the only 4-star hotel in the downtown area.

The Federal Reserve Renovation and Tower is located at 4th Avenue North and 18th Street North, across the street from the Hugo Black Federal Courthouse and the historic former Federal Courthouse. Phase one will involve restoring the 1926 Federal Reserve building and annex into an office and retail facility, including multiple dining establishments. Phase two will create a new office tower, the top floors of which will be home to a 200-room, environmentally forward, 4-star Lexington Collection Hotel.

"From inception, this hotel and retail project has been designed as a model for environmentally sound practice," said Teresa Matsui Sanders, President of InnWorks Inc, the hotel management company for the Birmingham project. "The energy and comfort features greeting guests will be cutting edge in every way."

According to Sanders, the project is designed to US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) standards. It is anticipated that the building will use 30 percent less energy than the energy code, and likely 40-50 percent less energy than the current downtown offices. Among other environmentally-forward amenities, tenants and guests will benefit from healthy, non-toxic paints and finishes, and superb ventilation and source control designed for positive indoor air quality.

"The Lexington Collection in Birmingham is a celebration of the vibrant, historical city," said Steve Belmonte, President, CEO, and Partner of The Lexington Collection. "From the beauty of the area's rich natural surroundings, to the entrepreneurial creativity and intellect which flows from the city's diverse population, this project absolutely captures the essence of the community and we are excited to be a part of it."

Sanders projects an opening date of 2008/2009. In addition to being the designated hotel management company, InnWorks will also serve as the pre-opening hotel consultant. The project is being developed by Melaver, Inc., located in Savannah, GA.

Premiering to the public in the second quarter of 2006, The Lexington Collection is the only hotel membership brand for upper to upper-mid properties in the three to four star lodging segments. Lexington is part of the award-winning Vantage Hospitality Group, the 12th largest hotel company worldwide and the only hotel company to be included on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies. Considered an affordable alternative to franchising, The Lexington Collection is headed up by Steve Belmonte who is renowned within the lodging industry for being a champion of fair and equitable agreements. Lexington offers property owners extensive resources, short-term agreements, low, flat fees, greater independence, and the opportunity for greater ROI.