Washington Marriott Capitol Hill Welcomes Guests to the Nation's Capital

Photo Courtesy of Issac Masielman

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill debuts January 11, 2023, standing between Washington DC’s iconic Capitol Hill and emerging NoMa neighborhoods. “The new Washington Marriott Capitol Hill reflects the transformation of the Marriott brand, delivering imaginative design, memorable food and drink concepts, and uncompromising service that will appeal to guests and locals, delivering authentic and memorable experiences,” said Rick Sawyer, General Manager.

Located within walking distance of the US Capitol, Union Station, and the bustling Union Market neighborhood, the hotel is a true urban retreat. Situated within the newly developed NoMa Center, the hotel sits adjacent to 40,000 square feet of new retail and restaurants. Guest rooms provide workstations with high-speed internet access, as well a luxurious linens and modern amenities. There is also an expansive 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center so guests can keep up their fitness routines while away from home.

INSPIRED INNOVATION
Upon arrival, guests enter sophisticated public areas designed by award-winning, local Washington, DC-based designer, Darryl Carter. Society Commons, a social hub from day to
night, features an intimate bar and a full-service restaurant, which transitions with guests from social to business, creative, and personal activities.

The hotel’s design seeks to honor the past by capturing a spirit that is focused, determined, and efficient using crisp and streamlined architectural and decor elements that are intentional and purposeful. The materials are polished and refined, with hints of strong metals and warm woods. The style embraces the future by combining these metals and woods in fearless applications, using contemporary forms and angular shapes that are both unexpected and dramatic.

A standard across Marriott Hotels globally, the hotel’s M Club is open 24/7 as an exclusive space reserved for hotel guests who are Marriott Bonvoy Elite members. Benefits include complimentary food and beverage throughout the day such as hot breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and premium beverages, ensuring uninterrupted productivity for business travelers.

NEXT LEVEL MEETINGS
With 18,000 square feet of state-of-the-art pre-function and event space, the hotel creates connections and offers spaces that can be adapted to varied sizes and formats. The ballroom delivers uninterrupted sight lines and features 15-foot ceilings and leading-edge lighting. Designed to creatively accommodate today’s guest needs, the space is expansive enough to host 280, while customizable for intimate events. In addition to the innovative indoor meeting space, the property also boasts a stunning courtyard that delivers more than 5,000 square feet of extraordinary special event space with the nation’s skyline as a backdrop.

SAVORY DELIGHTS
An oasis in the sky, Yara is a sexy indoor/outdoor venue that includes a chef-driven restaurant, buzzing bar + lively lounge that celebrate the cuisine and spirit(s) of Latin cultures… with a twist! The menu features fresh and bold flavors, embraces seafood, shareables and unexpected flavor profiles. Inspiration comes not from any one country but offers traditional and modern takes on dishes from across Central and South America. Adding to the fun, the mixology program features creative and classic craft cocktails, incorporating fresh squeezed juices and zero-proof tonics and botanicals – perfect for a group or date night.

The hotel, developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group and Perseus TDC, an entity of Transwestern, and managed by PM Hotel Group, is the first franchised Marriott property inside Washington’s Capital Beltway.

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill is located at 175 L Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002. The hotel participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For more information about Washington Marriott Capitol Hill and to book reservations, visit www.Marriott.com/wasnn or call (202) 972-9800.

Photos Curtesy of Issac Masielman

CRE is Hiring: Procurement Specialist

Have you or someone you know ever considered working in FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) procurement?

CRE is seeking an enthusiastic individual who is detail-oriented, a problem solver, and enjoys working on a project team that includes owners, architects, general contractors, designers, and vendors. As a Procurement Specialist, you’ll work on a variety of hospitality, multi-family, and commercial projects both for The Buccini/Pollin Group and third-party clients. We will provide the training! If interested, please email Stacy Bazzana (sbazzana@bpgroup.net) to express your interest.   

The Beatrice is Ready for Opening in Providence

The Beatrice is a 47-room boutique hotel centrally located in the lively historic district in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is steps away from renowned restaurants, universities, commercial, retail, and art, and cultural institutions. Paolino Properties recently updated the historic 1887 Exchange Building creating an expansive glass atrium lobby which will serve as the check-in location for guests of The Beatrice. Also onsite will be a fitness center, two restaurants, and a rooftop bar and lounge serving guests, VIP’s and local patrons.

Hotel interiors feature modern design details to contrast with the 19th century bones of the building. Guestrooms are bathed in a color palette of neutral whites and pale grays accented by touches of pinks and pops of black and gold furniture. Luxe finishes such as herringbone floors, custom carpets, high ceilings and city views distinguish the rooms.

CRE Procurement Specialist, Zach Shope, walked us through the process of completing the FF&E package for a brand new boutique hotel in the middle of a pandemic.

How did you oversee the FF&E installation to ensure client satisfaction?

The Beatrice is a 5-floor hotel, so the installation process started on the 5th floor and worked down from there. It took roughly 3 weeks, but it was rather complicated since multiple trades were working at once. CRE had to coordinate with each trade, from the general contractors to the installers to drapery, etc., so each trade had their own space or floor to work on. It took a lot of communication with daily ownership calls to facilitate the appropriate dates and times for the install of each space.

What is the biggest challenge you faced during this project, and how did you overcome it?

The lobby chandelier is about 30 feet long and has hundreds of glass crystals. Because it is such a huge piece, it required it’s own install team with very detailed instructions.

In regards to COVID-19, it was necessary to adhere to all policies while still keeping the schedule on track. It was important to be knowledgeable of Rhode Island’s protocol. and communicate that with everyone on site in advance.

Is there anything else about the project that you’d like to mention?

One aspect of this project that I really liked was the addition of the rooftop bar to our scope. I enjoyed working on this creative space because the roof featured many coop pieces that made it unique. Overall, this project was super fun because the ownership group and design team were great to work with and always very helpful.

DoubleTree Financial District Renovation Complete

Set in the Stone Street Historic District of lower Manhattan, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York City Financial District is a beautiful downtown hotel with magnificent views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Ellis Island. Brand new guest rooms feature warm mahogany tones and rich colors. They are tastefully appointed with custom wall coverings, distinct furnishings, and baths enhanced with contemporary features.

CRE Procurement Specialist, Zach Shope, gave us a behind the scenes look into renovating an existing brand-name hotel in one of the most visited cities in the world.

Can you breakdown the FF&E installation process?

It is a 44-floor hotel, so the installation was broken down to four floors every week or two starting on the top floor. To ensure client satisfaction, I had weekly calls with the client every Thursday to discuss what’s needed for the current floors, mitigate any issue, and plan for the next week. I also regularly communicated the scheduled with the vendors, construction team, and installation team so everyone was on track.

What is the biggest challenge you faced during this project, and how did you overcome it?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery schedules were constantly changing since many of our venders for the guestrooms were from China. Unfortunately, there was not much we could do since many companies were closed for a month or two. However, we did keep in touch with everyone and planned ahead for a 2-month delay. We did our best to keep vendors motivated to meet deadlines, while also demonstrating empathy and understanding during this difficult time.

Do you have a favorite space or fixture from the project?

The artwork in the public spaces is very cool. The hotel has a very strong city-themed design, but the creative artwork and bold lighting make it unique. An artist even hand-painted the interior mural!

Is there anything else unique about the project that you found interesting?

The Lutron lighting package was very high tech and interesting. It required a lot of attention because there were many moving components, and I learned a lot about the lighting on this project through this process. The approval packages were roughly 160 pages on this project compared to 1-3 pages normally since it was a large order with many details.

The Design Inspiration Behind a Revived 107-Year-Old Hotel Restaurant | Philly Mag

Image Credit: Jason Varney

CRE client Le Cavalier at The Green Room was recently featured by Philadelphia Magazine for the design inspiration behind the space! Check out the article below and read more on phillymag.com.

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The Design Inspiration Behind a Revived 107-Year-Old Hotel Restaurant

Le Cavalier at the Hotel Du Pont respects its architectural past while providing smart upgrades for its future.

by ASHLEY PRIMIS

When Lance Saunders — the design director for Rittenhouse’s Stokes Architecture & Design — was hired to remake the 107-year-old Hotel Du Pont restaurant into a French brasserie, he knew the challenges would be many. “We wanted to make it attractive to a younger crowd without alienating the people who had spent their whole lives going there,” he says. The hotel, which was purchased by the Buccini/Pollin Group in 2017, is part of its multimillion-dollar investment in the area. BPG tapped Philly chef Tyler Akin, owner of Stock, to run Le Cavalier — the restaurant’s new name.

Saunders, who has done work for Starr Restaurants and La Colombe, started by updating the existing historical elements. Then he carefully layered in new seating and lighting and added a bar. “We didn’t want to make this look like Epcot by taking old details and replicating them,” he says. “We reinterpreted new elements in a slightly modern way to signify that this is an old space that’s progressing.”

Continue Reading…

Image Credit: Jason Varney

Michelle Schwandt Featured by NEWH

Michelle A. Schwandt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Christina River Exchange, is also on the Board of Directors for NEWH Philadelphia Chapter, focusing on scholarship. NEWH is the premier networking resource for the hospitality industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development, recognition of excellence, and business development opportunities.

Recently, Michelle was featured by the NEWH AC/Philadelphia. Continue reading the profile below to get to know our Co-Founder better!

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Since the company’s opening in 2016, CRE has managed the FF&E procurement for sixteen hotel projects, and five commercial and multi-residential projects, nationwide.

Prior to the start-up of Christina River Exchange, Michelle spent over nine years at MBNA America. As a senior executive vice president and member of the Senior Operating Committee (SOC), Michelle managed several core business areas within divisions of business development, marketing, corporate education and customer satisfaction.

She spent nine years as on Active Duty (US Army) as both a chemical corps officer and aviation officer. She was rated as a UH-1H helicopter pilot and is a Gulf War veteran.

NEWH AC/Philly: What is your favorite interior design trend?

Turning waste product (paper and plastic) into sustainable material for use in both fashion and furniture.

NEWH AC/Philly: What is the best benefit of taking the lead of NEWH AC/Philadelphia?

This position has given me the opportunity to connect with so many educators, faculty, and students through our scholarship fund. It is a rewarding experience to know we are supporting students in design and hospitality industry to help them achieve their goals.

NEWH AC/Philly: Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I spent most of my childhood summers at Indian River Inlet in Delaware, and my favorite recreation activity has been fishing. I love the thrill of throwing my line in either the sea, pond, or ocean and see what I can pull up.

CRE Participates in Annual Day of Service 2020

This year has been unlike any other, and similar to many events, our annual Day of Service looked a little different amidst the pandemic, but we were still able to get together as a team and spend an entire day giving back to the local community in Wilmington, DE.

On October 2nd, CRE joined associates from The Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS Construction at Bellevue & Alapocas State Parks to clean up the grounds, including mulching, pulling vines, weed pulling, raking, edging, stone work, and much more.

Christina River Exchange believes one of our most important responsibilities is giving back to the community where we live and work. Through charitable giving and volunteer service, we strive to be a champion for our underserved communities.

The Table is Set: Le Cavalier at the Green Room is Now Open at the Hotel Du Pont

Credit: Le Cavalier at the Green Room

Chef-Partner Tyler Akin, PM Hotel Group and The Buccini/Pollin Group announced the opening of Le Cavalier at the Green Room (Le Cav) in the iconic HOTEL DU PONT on September 1, 2020.

“Le Cavalier” (pronounced: luh-KAH-vuhl-YAY) honors the deep equestrian tradition in the Brandywine River Valley. In the early 20th century when the hotel opened, visitors would arrive by horse as often as they would by automobile or by foot. Further, the name offers a nod to the du Pont family's history of horsemanship, from William du Pont Jr. and Marion du Pont Scott to Frolic Weymouth.

Chef-Partner Tyler Akin’s opening menu draws influence from the South of France and North Africa. The seasonal menu showcases innovative riffs on French classics while emphasizing the abundance of Delaware’s foodways. Starters include Steak Tartare (filet, preserved citrus, white endive, tzatziki), Scallop Crudo (potato sabayon, brown butter, Urfa spice, orange), and the Salade Fin d’Été (grilled corn and peach, heirloom tomato, lemon tahini, garlic breadcrumbs). Entrees range from Poulet Frites (roasted half chicken, sauce meunière, olives) to Cheeseburger Louis Ballast (Le Cav’s signature burger - smashed with lettuce, tomato, onion and dijonnaise), and Trout Amandine (almond, Tunisian eggplant, espelette). Sides emphasize French classics including Pomme Purée, Frites, Haricots Verts, and Salade Verte.

Credit: Neal Santos

Credit: Neal Santos

For something sweet, guests can enjoy a fun and visually striking Sundae (brown butter caramel and sweet cream ice creams, warm chocolate ganache, Green Room macaroons, spiced walnuts and barberries), available for two or four, in addition to classics including Pavlova (mint meringue, peach c rème fraîche , berries) and Coconut Cake (rum crème anglaise, toasted coconut).

For the full Le Cav experience, the restaurant recommends its tasting menu ($42/pp) which culminates in a large format Rougette de Veau (veal shoulder, red wine, roasted maitake mushrooms, pomme purée, crispy garlic).

Le Cav’s beverage program will feature a curated list of wines, craft cocktails with an eye towards French classics through the lens of New Orleans as well as local coffee and tea service. The restaurant’s namesake cocktail is the Le Cav Kir, a playful riff on the classic Kir Royale with huckleberry crème, crémant, and vermouth. The wine menu features a strong emphasis on natural wines — one of the only programs in Delaware to do so — with a robust bottle list and carefully selected options available by the glass.

“This has been the most anticipated restaurant opening of my career,” Chef Tyler Akin recounts. “We are immensely grateful to be opening a restaurant two years in the making, in a historic room that was home to the Green Room for over 100 years — especially in this climate. This is the first time in my professional career that I’ve been able to connect with my French heritage through food and doing that in my hometown of Wilmington holds personal significance.”

Credit: Le Cavalier at the Green Room

The restaurant, designed by Stokes Architecture + Design, features a 118-seat dining room with an intimate 13-seat bar, and seasonal outdoor patio seating. Not all seating will be used during the COVID-19 pandemic; seating will be limited and spaced in accordance with CDC recommendations and local regulations. Director of Design for Stokes Architecture + Design, Lance Saunders, thoughtfully updated the space to create a more lively atmosphere while celebrating the room’s elegant bones. The dining room’s new decor includes luxe velvet and leather banquettes, contemporary French artwork and an expansive, marble bar that anchors the dining room. The most exciting piece to unveil, perhaps, is the intricate, mosaic tile floor that was discovered during construction which dates back to the original Green Room (circa 1913 and made by European craftsmen, well before The Green Room was last updated in the early aughts). The fumed oak paneling and ornate plaster ceiling The Green Room was known for remain intact.

Credit: Le Cavalier at the Green Room

“The Green Room was iconic to many generations of Wilmingtonians. We spent countless hours and energy thinking about what could possibly follow one of the country’s most beautiful, grande dame, special-occasion restaurants. Our objective was to celebrate the irreplaceable history and setting of the Green Room while creating an experience more relevant to today’s diners. After hundreds of meetings with community members, we had a sense of what direction to go. The next step, of course, was to team up with one of America’s most gifted young chefs, and we were blown away that our number one choice was also a native of Wilmington,” said Dave Pollin, co-founder and president of The Buccini/Pollin Group and chairman of PM Hotel Group. “We are thrilled to introduce a restaurant that pays homage to the past while leaning into a new era of culinary excellence.”

Le Cav will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy outdoor seating overlooking the heart of Wilmington. Limited indoor seating will be available in accordance with the CDC, state and local guidelines. Online ordering for pick-up and delivery will also be available on www.lecavalierde.com during these operating hours. In-room dining will be offered for all HOTEL DU PONT guests. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and weekend brunch will begin in the weeks to follow.

The restaurant will be observing all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its team, guests and the greater Wilmington community. All employees have restaurant-provided PPE and receive temperature checks daily. Sanitizing stations will be available for guest and employee use and features will be implemented to allow guests to control how much tableside service they prefer during their meal. All guests must wear masks except for when seated at their table and are asked to maintain social distancing throughout the dining room to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all.

To make a reservation and learn more, please visit www.lecavalierde.com and follow on Instagram @lecavalierde.

CRE Team Grows With Two New Procurement Specialists

As Christina River Exchange continues to grow and develop new client relationships, we recognized the need to grow our team as well. Please join us in welcoming Courtney Miller and Sabrina Matheson to the CRE team as Procurement Specialists!

Meet Courtney Miller

Prior to joining Christina River Exchange, Courtney worked at Bear Creek Arsenal as a Supply Chain Associate. She comes to us with prior experience in supply chain, export and import logistics, and customer service. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management at Wilmington University.

Her interest in and knowledge of the industry will advance her ability to successfully work with Clients throughout the entire FF&E cycle of a project, from the design phase to installation. Courtney is thrilled to join the distinguished CRE team and assist on a number of projects.

To get to know Courtney a little better, we asked her a few questions…

• What led you to Christina River Exchange? I wanted to further my career by pursuing a position in procurement and also work for an amazing company. CRE holds values that match everything I was looking for.

• What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? I created an organized structure of reports for items that needed to be ordered and items that we were waiting to arrive. This system reduced production meeting time, and I was able to send out the appropriate spreadsheets that increased efficiency on our team.

• What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? Happy hour or watching The Office!

• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird! I am most productive in the morning.

• What was your first job? I worked as a party attendant at an inflatable party place.

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Meet Sabrina Matheson

Before Cristina River Exchange, Sabrina previously worked as a Bid & Purchasing Manager for the artwork manufacturer, Kaleidoscope Design Factory. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Florida State University.

Her experience in the manufacturing industry gives her a unique perspective on the FF&E procurement cycle, specifically relating to approvals, lead times, and schedules. Given her knowledge of manufacturing, Sabrina looks forward to assisting the team in all aspects of the FF&E Cycle.

We got the chance to learn more about Sabrina…

• What led you to Christina River Exchange? I was looking for a new adventure in the Pennsylvania / Delaware area and this position came up. It was an ideal opportunity for me to learn new skills and apply my current skill set from my previous position purchasing raw materials.

• What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? Any time I can make a process more efficient. For example, when all the complicated formulas finally work out in Excel, it’s a major accomplishment.

• What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? It’s 50/50. Going for a run or sprawling out on the couch and binge watching TV.

• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird! I like to wake up early to get a head start on my to-do list.

• What was your first job? Executive Assistant

We welcome Courtney and Sabrina to our team & look forward to their contributions!

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown Opens

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown, part of Hilton’s All Suites portfolio, is now open! Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers guests all the comforts of home, whether they are traveling for work or enjoying a well-earned getaway. With 120 new suites, the hotel provides an upscale extended stay offering at the Riverfront to serve the revitalized and growing destination within the market. 

“Wilmington’s Riverfront is quickly transforming into a tourism magnet and an economic engine for the city, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown is centrally located near top dining, shopping and business districts,” said Rick Colling, global head, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “With offerings such as spacious suites and complimentary breakfast, this hotel provides an extended-stay lodging option that both business and leisure travelers seek when visiting the area.” 

The seventh hotel in the Delaware market managed by PM Hotel Group, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers a combination of studio and one-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully-equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas, all with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the city and the Christina River. Guests are provided all the essentials needed for a smart, reliable and convenient stay including complimentary daily full hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, Wi-Fi and a grocery shopping service*. Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown also makes it easy for travelers to unwind with an outdoor kitchen and grill area, patio games, bike rentals and a 24-hour fitness center. The property offers a complimentary business center and 478 square feet of flexible space that is ideal for meetings and social events. 

Located at 820 Justison St., Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers guests direct access to the Wilmington Riverwalk and is convenient to dining and entertainment options throughout the city. The property is ideally situated near the local offices of some of the nation’s largest corporations and its proximity to the Chase Center on the Riverfront attracts larger convention groups. Nearby, the newly constructed 76ers Fieldhouse serves the national and regional sports market. Transportation options include the Amtrak station one mile away, serving the Northeast Corridor with regional and Acela train service, and Philadelphia International Airport 25 miles north. Free parking is on-site and a complimentary shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the property is also available. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 17 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans Breaks Ground

Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, marks a new milestone as Virgin Hotels breaks ground with The Buccini/Pollin Group on Virgin Hotels New Orleans. The groundbreaking ceremony marks Virgin Hotels’ seventh property, behind the current locations open in Chicago and San Francisco, the soon-to-open Virgin Hotels Dallas, and under construction Virgin Hotels Nashville, Virgin Hotels New York, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Virgin Hotels New Orleans is slated to open its doors in 2021.

“I’m incredibly happy to announce that Virgin will now have a home at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, a home for both visitors and locals alike,” said Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. “It’s going to have all the signature offerings of our hotels including the exceptional customer experience that Virgin is known for. New Orleans is a truly special city and a melting pot of cultures and traditions. We will certainly make sure to celebrate the local character of The Big Easy throughout our hotel. I’m very much looking forward to the rise of Virgin Hotels New Orleans in 2021.”

“We’ve had our eyes on New Orleans for a while, so we’re thrilled to be kicking off construction today,” commented Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal. “We were extremely diligent in ensuring we tapped the right partners to develop, design and curate the best hotel product for this extraordinary market. Today’s groundbreaking means we are one step closer to seeing our vision come to life!”

Located in the Warehouse District at 550 Baronne Street, Virgin Hotels New Orleans sits directly next to the Central Business District close to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. The property will feature over 200 chambers, multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand’s signature Commons Club and the recently announced Funny Library Coffee Shop, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym and dedicated meetings and event spaces. Virgin Hotels New Orleans will be completed by Mathes Brierre Architects, CallisonRTKL Architects, and Broadmoor Construction and will be managed by Virgin Hotels.

Local New Orleans interior design firm Logan Killen Interiors are designing the hotel to incorporate a Southern residential feel while combining colorful, tropical architectural motifs with Virgin’s signature style of fun and smart. The hotel will feel more like one’s home away from home than another city hotel. Common spaces like the lush rooftop pool deck and the Jazz Age-inspired Commons Club inspire curiosity and exploration around every turn.

To commemorate the groundbreaking, Virgin Hotels in conjunction with The Buccini/Pollin Group hosted key members of each group for an intimate ceremony. During the event, members of the Virgin Hotels development team took the first shovels to the ground at the future hotel site. Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Hotels Chief Development Officer Allie Hope offered remarks, followed by a brief press Q&A and photo opportunity. Also, on site was brand partner Laughing Man® Coffee Company offering refreshments for guests.

The brand’s second property, Virgin Hotels San Francisco, opened earlier this year in SoMa (South of Market) just steps from Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center. The brand’s first hotel, Virgin Hotels Chicago, opened in 2015. Virgin Hotels continues to explore cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Seattle, Washington DC, and London; all locations where they are pursuing hotel and office conversions and ground-up development.

As CRE Turns 3, Co-Founder Michelle Schwandt Reflects on Past, Present & Future

Three years goes by in the blink of an eye. 15 hospitality projects (and counting), 2 restaurants and 2 multi-residential projects….the journey has been nothing short of amazing. Our most memorable projects include Renaissance Philadelphia, The Hotel du Pont, ARC.The Hotel, Canopy Pike & Rose and The National.  These projects challenged us to think differently, think smarter and apply innovative solutions to meet the needs of our Clients. But more amazing than the projects are the people we work with every day – our hospitality associates at BPGS, architects, interior designers and vendors. We thank you for your professionalism and steadfast commitment to each and every project – and for making our work enjoyable!

To our Clients  - thank you for entrusting your projects with CRE. As we look to the future, CRE remains focused on three priorities: service, schedule and budget. CRE is committed to continuously evaluating our processes and relationships to ensure these priorities are always at the forefront of our work.

And finally, to the team at CRE – I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated group of people.  Our team is enriched by your commitment to your work and to the relationships you’ve built with each other – because of you we’ve grown as individuals and as a company. Thank you for 3 years and cheers to a bright future ahead!

- Michelle Schwandt, Co-Founder & Managing Director

DE.CO Serves Up Style at Wilmington's Newest Food Hall

DE.CO, short for Delaware Collective, is a place for all of Wilmington to come together over great food and drink in the state's first chef-driven food hall. Each of the food hall’s eight chefs operate from one of the kitchens within the food hall, and guests order directly from whichever stall sparks their fancy. Diners then enjoy their food together at one of many comfortable tables throughout the space or at the soaring atrium bar, serving cocktails, wine and beer. The modern-deco design evokes the grand past of the DuPont Building and transitions it into a contemporary aesthetic, both throughout the comfortable-yet-spacious food hall and in an expansive private event space. 

Impressive Amenities Draw Residents to The National

On the site previously occupied by the iconic National Products building in Old City Philadelphia, The National thoughtfully draws from its mid-century roots while offering contemporary amenities and luxurious interiors that today’s modern renters are seeking. Amenities at The National are designed to impress at every corner, including a two-story clubhouse with a demonstration kitchen, convenient pet washing station, a full-service fitness center managed by Level 1 Fitness, and rooftop deck, complete with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, for residents to enjoy the dramatic views of both Center City and the Delaware River.

ARC THE.HOTEL Transformation Complete

Historically owned by the iconic George Washington University and a pillar of the community, the transformation of the beloved GW University Inn to ARC THE.HOTEL, Washington, D.C. was thoughtfully crafted in tradition, with a lean toward the latest technology and purposeful service.

#ThoughtfullyLocal: Canopy by Hilton hotels highlight local neighborhoods through thoughtful design

Canopy by Hilton is the energizing, new hotel in the neighborhood offering simple guest-directed service, thoughtful local choices, and surprisingly comfortable spaces, so guests simply feel better going forward. Each property is designed as a natural extension of its neighborhood, with local design, food and drink, and delivers a fresh approach to hospitality and the guest experience. Canopy by Hilton is the lifestyle hotel brand of Hilton Worldwide.

We’ve had the pleasure of working on two Canopy by Hilton hotels this year, one near Washington D.C. in Bethesda North, MD and the other in Portland, OR. With only five Canopy by Hilton branches open in the United States, we are thrilled to help bring these exciting hotels to new markets.

Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C. Bethesda North

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

As the second Canopy by Hilton location in the United States, Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C. Bethesda North incorporates design staples of the Canopy by Hilton brand, including residential-style guestrooms with a locally interpreted Canopy above the bed and open closets. This is one of the first MARKZEFF-designed locations to open with interiors that fuse authentic materials, such as rough-hewn oak wood walls, concrete floors, and locally inspired artwork, furnishings, and accessories. Mark Zeff is also the firm that collaborated with Hilton’s team to initially create Canopy’s interior design ethos at the inception of the brand.

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

The entrance of the 177-room hotel features two impressive design elements: a two-story, living moss wall that from a distance looks like a map of the area and a massive chandelier draped with opaque acrylic reproductions of pages from a 1933 National Geographic Magazine. An early resident of the area, Gilbert Grosvenor (a nearby Metro stop, Grosvenor, bears his name) was the editor of that 1933 issue, dedicated to the birds of his Bethesda country home.

The feeling of the hotel lobby seating area is electric and eclectic. Its materials consist of velvet and leather, glass and wood. A combination of enveloping couches and hard surface chairs creates a comfortable cross between shabby chic and industrial. The lobby area also includes 48 colorful pop art portraits of other local notables

Floors throughout are high gloss, painted concrete with bright area rugs, and sliding barn doors define the bathroom in an homage to the area’s farming roots.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

True to theme, Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District incorporates the revitalized industrial neighborhood and its indie boutiques, art galleries, microbreweries, and green spaces throughout the hotel, designed by locally based firm ZGF Architects and New York-based interior designer MARKZEFF.

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

The 153-room hotel features industrial finishes such as hot rolled steel metal beams, brick walls and concrete floors in parts of the lobby, café & reception area. The check-in desk, as well as other furniture pieces, are fabricated by local vendors. Throw pillows throughout the hotel feature fabric from Pendleton Woolen Mills, a sixth-generation family-owned Portland business.The guest rooms also feature an interpretation of a “canopy,” which extends over the front of the bed and is made of timber resembling the Oregon state tree, a Douglas Fir, creating a direct connection to the beauty and natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest.

Even the hotel’s exterior acts as a symbolic bridge between the Pearl District’s old and new structures, thoughtfully incorporating materials that reflect and complement the neighborhood’s past and future. The oiled bronze-inspired facade of the building – which is an art installation itself – changes its golden hue in synchronicity with the passing phases of daylight. Casement windows at street level allow activities in the hotel to carry out onto the sidewalks of Glisan Street, creating outdoor seating and an inviting setting for both guests and passersby.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District’s art curator, Elizabeth Leach of Elizabeth Leach Gallery located next door to the hotel, selects works from local artists to showcase around the hotel in both the property’s permanent and rotating art collections.

Virgin Hotels coming to Nashville & New Orleans

Richard Branson brings the iconic Virgin brand into new markets around the world to shake up the status quo. Virgin Hotels is positioned as the much-needed bridge between the current landscape of lifestyle and legacy hotels. With a focus on the fantastic, the global hotel lifestyle brand combines comfort and innovation with a unique mix of cultural influences, from fashion to music and everything in between.

Once ready for business, Virgin Hotels properties will feature the brand’s charismatic and contemporary style alongside innovative functionality, ample communal space and a signature restaurant, all wrapped in an efficient, personalized experience.

Christina River Exchange is thrilled to be able to assist in bringing this new hotel experience to two locations: Nashville and New Orleans!

Virgin Hotels Nashville

Located in the historic Music Row area of the city, Virgin Hotels Nashville will deliver a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The hotel will feature 240 chambers, the brand’s take on guestrooms, which will include both “The Dressing Room” featuring a full vanity, make-up desk and well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench, and his and hers closets designed by Poliform®, and “The Lounge”, which consists of Virgin’s patented designed bed, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and playing.

Virgin Nashville will also include multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand's signature Commons Club, a rooftop and pool, and - fitting for Music City - a speakeasy.

The design for Virgin Nashville is inspired by local musical influences and will maintain the brand’s innovative style.

Judi Crook, Interior Designer for MARKZEFF, says “Virgin Nashville’s design fuses modern industrial with a sleek, playful, and sophisticated style, aiming to create a unique and timeless design in which guests are sure to find endless visual variety and luxurious comfort at every moment.”

Virgin Hotels Nashville is expected to open in 2019.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is situated in the city’s Warehouse District. The up-and-coming area sits directly next to the Central Business District and is home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. Similar to Nashville, the new-build hotel will feature 225 chambers, the brand’s flagship space, Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.

The hotel’s design concept is to create a unique and immersive experience for guests, mirroring the history, food and music in New Orleans. Virgin Hotels’ Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer has tapped a local design firm, Logan Killen Interiors, to bring an authentic New Orleans flair to the project.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is expected to open in 2020.