Detroit's historic Fort Shelby Hotel is
undergoing an $82 million renovation and will reopen in late 2008
as a Doubletree Guest Suites.
The restoration
project includes 204 rooms, 63 luxury apartments and a conference
center, Hilton Hotels said in announcing the project with MCP
Development.
The Fort Shelby
Hotel was once one of Detroit's most exquisite and prosperous
properties, located within walking distance of the Detroit
Riverfront.
In its prime
during the early 20th century, the Fort Shelby Hotel offered
patrons many new innovations for its time, including baths with
running water and modern heating in each room. The Empire Room and
Crystal Ballroom both served as premier venues for Detroit society
and world dignitaries and celebrities for decades.
During the past
35 years, the overall site has been primarily vacant and neglected.
The building's last tenant, a bar, closed its doors in
1998.
"We are delighted
to announce that the Fort Shelby Hotel will be re-established to
its former grandeur and will become part of the Hilton family of
hotels through its fantastic Doubletree Guest Suites offering,"
said Emmett Moten, Jr. of MCP Development.
"The opening of
our hotel and residences at the Fort Shelby Hotel next year will
help us write a new chapter of Detroit history by encouraging
people from throughout the state of Michigan and around the world
to join us in celebrating this downtown renaissance in one of the
Midwest's most important cities."
The development
furthers Doubletree's expansion plans. With more than 50
full-service hotel additions during the past three years, it has a
goal of having 200 open by 2008.
"This most
recently completed management agreement in downtown Detroit
reinforces our pride in Doubletree being recognized by hotel owners
and developers as a lucrative hotel brand for hoteliers across the
Western Hemisphere and around the world," said Dave Horton, senior
vice president, brand management for Doubletree Hotels.
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to Jeri Clausing at [email protected].