CRE Clients Featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer: What to do, eat, and see in Wilmington

Christina River Exchange client’s Wilma's, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, HOTEL DU PONT, and Bardea Food & Drink recognized in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s guide “What to do, eat, and see in Wilmington”!

“As President Joe Biden’s adopted hometown, Wilmington is having a moment. While that moment has shined a national spotlight on the small city just 45-minutes south of Philadelphia, excitement about Wilmington has been building locally for years.

For the last century, the city has been known as the home of the storied DuPont family and its influential chemical company, as well as a financial center, but after business hours, things got quiet. That’s changed. Today, you’ll find beer gardens, artsy coffee shops, tattoo parlors, sporting events, and artisanal shops that are open well past 5 p.m.

Over the last couple of decades, the city beautified its once-industrial waterfront, which now has a minor league baseball stadium, the indoor Chase Fieldhouse sports complex, the Jack A. Markell Trail, an IMAX theater, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment all along a scenic mile and a half long riverwalk.

In the last 10 years, the city’s downtown has gone through a similar renaissance, thanks to thousands of new apartments that house 4,000 new residents — many of them millennial transplants coming from places like New York and Philly. Much of the new development is along about 10 blocks on downtown’s main drag, Market Street, which charms visitors with historic architecture, clean streets, independent shops, theaters, and renowned restaurants, such as Bardea, which was just named a James Beard Awards semifinalist…”

Continue Reading on The Inquirer

CRE Client Featured in Vogue: America’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2022

Christina River Exchange client Bardea Steak was recently featured as one of “America’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2022” by Vogue!

“The team behind Wilmington, Delaware’s James Beard semifinalist restaurant Bardea Food & Drink, Scott Stein and chef Antimo DiMeo, are expanding their Bardea brand with beef-based Bardea Steak. Serving as their third eatery, Bardea Steak will be a contemporary take on a classic steakhouse, claiming a spacious 5,000 square foot plot adjacent to Bardea Food & Drink in downtown Wilmington. DiMeo is planning to cook various beef cuts (including off-cuts) in a custom-made open-hearth, with a focus on various aging techniques. Wines will lean toward American producers, while some cocktails will be made tableside.”

Continue Reading on Vogue.com

CRE is Hiring: Procurement Specialist

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. This role is responsible for:

• Project FF&E and OS&E procurement of products for hospitality, select commercial and food and beverage projects from initial design to installation

• Development of preliminary FF&E budgets and forecasts

• Development of bid proposals, prepare and process purchase orders

• Providing bid comparison reports, forecast and expediting reports

• Managing the approval process of custom goods with vendors and interior designers; assist interior designers with alternate selection options

• Coordinating FF&E delivery with installation staff

• Communicating with the client, providing regular status updates and handling any questions or changes.

• Coordinating work in the field including interfacing with designers and consultants.

For more information and to apply, please click the link below!

101 dupont place Receives DCA Construction Excellence Award

Clare Catka, Joe Fulton, Sabrina Matheson

Christina River Exchange project 101 dupont place received a Construction Excellence Awards from the Delaware Contractors Association at the 51st Annual Meeting held on Thursday, October 28th at the Chase Center in Wilmington.

Development and Construction Manager for the project BPGS Construction was presented the Historic Preservation Construction Excellence Award for 101 dupont place, a 198-unit multifamily residential community within the historic Dupont Building in Wilmington, DE. The project converted 240,000 SF of vacant office space across 13 floors into a luxury apartment community, featuring studio to 3-bedroom apartments, a resident lounge in the historically-preserved DuPont Company boardroom, Wilmington’s first rooftop deck, and more.

Congratulations to the entire project team for this well-deserved recognition!

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CRE Recognized as Best Full-Service FF&E Procurement Company (USA) by LUXlife

Christina River Exchange is honored to announce that we have been named the Best Full-Service FF&E Procurement Company (USA) through LUXlife Magazine’s Resorts and Retreats Awards 2020.

It is the knowledge and expertise that the CRE team provides to anticipate and mitigate risks within the procurement cycle that has demonstrated value to our clients. We are proud that the industry has also recognized the value that sets CRE apart from other firms with this achievement.

In a world where consumers are living increasingly demanding lifestyles, the demand for greater relaxation, rest, and enhanced health are at an all-time high. Covering all aspects of the Resort and Retreats industry ranging from Spa’s to Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels to Yoga resorts, and everything in between, LUXlife looks to recognize and reward true excellence within the global industry and identify the most progressive hospitality services, products, and key players in one of the worlds most lucrative markets.

Winners are selected for this accolade purely on merit alone by LUXlif’s experienced in-house research team. Coinciding with the award, LUXlife profiled CRE to find out how we established a reputation for being one of the best full-service FF&E procurement companies in the USA:

Bringing to the table more than 25 years of experience and understanding of the risk points associated with FF&E procurement, Christina River Exchange takes a comprehensive, integrated approach to procurement and have managed highly complex projects — on time and on budget...

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

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.

Now Open: Virgin Hotels Nashville!

Featured on hospitalitynet.org

Virgin Hotels Nashville, the lifestyle hotel brand developed by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, opens Wednesday, July 1st, at 1 Music Square W. Reservations are currently being accepted and can be made directly on the hotel's website, virginhotels.com/nashville or by calling (800) 806-8080.

Ranging from 291 to 592-square feet, all Chambers (rooms) are designed to consist of two distinct spaces separated by a barn-style sliding door, complete with a peephole, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and an overall better contactless experience. The first space, "The Dressing Room", combines the hallway and a dressing area which includes a full vanity, makeup desk with well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench complete with Red Flower toiletries, and a closet for two. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter "The Lounge" with the brand's patented ergonomically designed lounge bed, a red SMEG® mini-fridge, High Definition TV, yoga mat, pedestal table and a cozy built-in window seating offers views of the Nashville skyline and Music Row. Ample outlets for smartphones, computers or other electronic devices are found in various areas of the rooms. All Chambers feature custom lighting on sensors that automatically illuminate when guests move. Additional amenities for pets are available in the Chambers. Virgin Hotels has always been committed to the health and safety of guests and the brand is taking additional measures to ensure guests feel safe throughout their time on property. With the opening of the hotel, the brand is ushering in a new standard of hospitality with the upgraded mobile app Lucy that allows guests to have a truly "touch free" experience via mobile keys, controlling lighting, thermostats and TVs, ordering room service and checking out all from their own mobile device.

Virgin Hotels Nashville offers dining and drinking options for both locals and hotel guests to enjoy. Executive Chef Patrick McEntyre oversees the culinary experiences at The Pool Club and Funny Library Coffee Shop. Located on the 14th floor of the hotel, The Pool Club boasts an indoor and outdoor bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy chef-driven food and inventive cocktails day or night. The seasonal menu features a variety of light bites, hearty entrees, fresh salads and sides. Whether it's lunch by the pool, dinner with a friend or snacks after work, The Pool Club offers a dining experience for every occasion. The beverage program highlights playful and refreshing drinks like champagne-based cocktails, boozy snow cones and a selection of local craft beer, spirits and wine. Local DJs spin soulful, laidback tunes regularly, rounding out the relaxed club experience. On the first floor of the hotel, the Funny Library Coffee Shop offers Laughing Man® coffee, the brand co-founded by actor Hugh Jackman, and a menu of grab and go items for breakfast and lunch. Commons Club, Virgin Hotels' flagship restaurant, bar and lounge, is set to debut this fall on the first floor of the hotel. Anchoring the main entrance of the hotel, Commons Club is designed to feel like a "members only" experience that's open to all. A specially curated entertainment and music program will add to the overall experience which evokes the feeling of a modern social club without dues, where both travelers and locals can enjoy.

Leading interior design firm, MARKZEFF, designed the property to be modern yet comfortable with playful elements incorporated throughout. Drawing inspiration from the Nashville region, design details are represented through the use of intricate brick, roughhewn timber, sumptuous furnishings and refined industrial elements. Nashville's rich history largely influenced the spaces, while artwork and custom furniture play a key role to create a delightful and memorable experience. Guests can find subtle nods to Nashville throughout the design like in the meeting spaces where the carpets are a modern interpretation of vintage quilts one might find in the area. More noticeably, music is celebrated from the moment patrons enter the hotel. A showstopping Music City Ensemble installation, designed by John Peralta, features a 12-piece ensemble of country music instruments - provided by some of the top manufacturers including A&F Drum Co, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Eastwood Guitars - floating weightlessly from the ceiling of the hotel lobby to welcome guests.

Developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by Virgin Hotels, the new-build property joins the city's iconic Music Row neighborhood, which is home to some of the most famous recording studios in music history, shops, restaurants and other attractions. The exterior, designed by BLUR Workshop and Nashville-based Hastings Architecture, taps into the history of the city while continuing to progress the city's wave of modern architecture.

The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day, and over 9,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space. To maximize their time on property, guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program, The Know, to unlock member rate discounts, room upgrades, exclusive dining and event offers and a complimentary cocktail hour dubbed "The Spirit Hour."

CRE Clients Featured in Food & Wine Magazine

Congratulations to our clients Le Cavalier at the Green Room, Bardea Food & Drink, and DECO Wilmington who were recognized by Food and Wine magazine for their influence on Wilmington's Restaurant Renaissance!

Wilmington, Delaware’s Restaurant Scene Deserves Your Attention

By: Regan Stephens

In just a few days, Tyler Akin will know what the floors look like. The drab, worn rugs inside the 2,500-square-foot dining room will be ripped up, where the terrazzo underneath may or may not be ruined from a previous renovation. Akin, the chef and owner of Philadelphia’s Stock and Res Ipsa, is working on his biggest project to date, about 30 miles south.

The 36-year-old Delaware native is reimagining the Green Room in Wilmington’s historic Hotel Du Pont, which has, until now, remained largely unchanged for the last hundred-or-so years. The new restaurant, named Le Cavalier, is expected to open this spring, joining a host of new restaurants making Delaware’s biggest city a supremely compelling place to eat.

The Hotel Du Pont first opened in 1913 inside the DuPont building, which occupies an entire city block in downtown Wilmington. Inspired by the opulent hotels populating European cities at the time, the 217-room property has hosted dozens of luminaries over the years, including Amelia Earhart, Katherine Hepburn, and Eleanor Roosevelt. In 2017, the building was bought by local real estate developer the Buccini/Pollin Group, which, along with PM Hotel Group and Akin, have set about giving the Green Room a contemporary upgrade.

“There aren’t many examples quite like the Green Room,” says Akin, who grew up visiting it. “It hits you in the face—you’re walking through history.”

The Green Room revamp is coming in the midst of a restaurant renaissance that’s helping to revitalize the city of Wilmington at large. In the fall of 2018, modern Italian bistro Bardea opened, and within the year it was a James Beard Award semi-finalist for best new restaurant—a first for Wilmington.

Co-owner Scott Stein says he and partner Antimo DiMeo started thinking about opening a restaurant in the city about five years ago. “It still had some growing and developing to do, so we were patient and waited a few years before going for it,” he says. “When we found the space that is now Bardea, we knew it was a fit and we were eager to become a part of this amazing city.”

Just last fall, a local restaurant group opened the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Torbert Street Social in a historic brick building that was once a horse stable, tucked behind a string of restaurants in the city’s Financial District. Also housed in the DuPont building, Deco—short for Delaware Collective, and a nod to the area’s Art Deco architecture—is a new food hall with eight restaurant stalls, a bar, and a private event space. Seven stalls in the $3.5 million project are constant, and range from pastries and banh mi to a pizza-focused outpost of Bardea, while one stall is revolving, allowing local chefs to test concepts before committing to a brick and mortar. While food halls have been opening in cities across the country over the last few years, this is Wilmington’s first, and it's a big deal.

As places like Deco and Bardea were propelling Wilmington’s food scene forward—with dishes like Deco’s banh mi with barbecue pork and housemade veggie chips, and Bardea's hamachi collar aged in foie gras—the Green Room remained stagnant, serving standards like shrimp cocktail and surf and turf…

Continue reading on foodandwine.com

A Neo-Brasserie Arrives at the HOTEL DU PONT This Spring

Image courtesy of Stokes Architecture & Design

Chef-Partner Tyler Akin, PM Hotel Group and The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. (Buccini/Pollin) are pleased to announce the new French brasserie arriving at the HOTEL DU PONT this Spring will be named Le Cavalier at the Green Room.

“Le Cavalier” (pronounced: luh-KAH-vuhl-YAY) honors the deep equestrian tradition in the Brandywine River Valley.  Our inspiration started with Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and President of Delaware during the revolutionary war, who is honored with a mounted horseback statue prominently overlooking adjacent Rodney Square.  

In the early 20th century when the Hotel opened, visitors would arrive by horse as often as they would by automobile or on foot. Finally, the du Pont family's history of horsemanship, from William du Pont Jr. and Marion du Pont Scott to Frolic Weymouth, provided further validation of the new moniker.

The team believes that the inclusion of “at the Green Room,” in the name shows ownership’s reverence for the storied dining room’s history.  The Green Room has played a pivotal role in defining the Wilmington’s dining scene over the past century. While Le Cavalier at the Green Room pays deep respect to the history of the space, the new restaurant represents a full reconcepting and is not a renovation of the existing concept.

“It is important to us to honor the Green Room’s unparalleled legacy,” said Dave Pollin, co-founder and president of The Buccini/Pollin Group and chairman of PM Hotel Group. “That said, we are actively talking to the community and are thrilled to deliver on meeting the demand for a more casual, chef-driven restaurant. We believe Le Cavalier at the Green Room will marry reverence and progress and hit those notes for our guests.”

Image courtesy of Stokes Architecture & Design

Le Cavalier at the Green Room will be a bustling and progressive French brasserie open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch seven days a week, 365 days a year. The restaurant’s cuisine pulls influences from Provençe and North Africa served up in an approachable atmosphere that is at once contemporary and nostalgic. Chef will design menus that showcase innovative riffs on French classics alongside ever-evolving seasonal offerings that showcase the vibrancy of Delaware foodways.

“Naming this restaurant was an incredibly difficult yet rewarding part of the process. With Le Cavalier at the Green Room, we honor what came before us while looking ahead to how we can bring Wilmington a restaurant that is both convivial and approachable,” said Chef-Partner Tyler Akin. Tyler is also the Chef-Owner of Stock and Res Ipsa Cafe in Philadelphia.

The restaurant, designed by Stokes Architecture & Design, will boast 125 seats with an intimate 14 seat bar, a private dining room and seasonal outdoor patio seating on Rodney Square. Director of Design, Lance Saunders, will thoughtfully update the space to create a more lively atmosphere while celebrating the room’s elegant bones. Le Cavalier at the Green Room is expected to open in Spring 2020.

Virgin Hotels Nashville Set for May 2020 Opening in the Historic Music Row Neighborhood

Virgin Hotels has announced that reservations are now live for the brand's fourth hotel: Virgin Hotels Nashville. Reservations are currently being accepted for stays starting May 3, 2020, and can be made directly on the hotel's website, virginhotels.com/nashville or by calling (800) 806-8080.

Conveniently situated at the helm of Nashville's historic Music Row neighborhood at 1 Music Square W, Virgin Hotels Nashville will deliver a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The hotel will feature 262 Chambers, including Grand Chamber Suites, multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand's signature Commons Club, and a rooftop lounge with pool.

Ranging from 291 to 592-square feet, all guest Chambers (rooms) are uniquely designed to consist of two distinct spaces separated by a barn-style sliding door, complete with a peephole, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and playing. The first space, "The Dressing Room", combines the hallway and a dressing area which includes a full vanity, makeup desk with a well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench competed with Red Flower toiletries and a closet for two. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter "The Lounge" with the brand's patented ergonomically designed lounge bed, a red SMEG® mini-fridge stocked with street-priced comforts, High Definition TV, yoga mat, pedestal table, and a cozy built-in window seating offers views of the Nashville skyline and Music Row. Ample outlets for their smartphone, computer or other electronic devices are found in various areas of the rooms. All Chambers feature custom lighting on sensors that automatically illuminate when guests move. Additional amenities for pets will be available in the Chambers. Chambers have integrated tech capabilities including the ability to control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room services directly via the mobile app, Lucy.

Commons Club will anchor the main entrance of the hotel and is designed to feel like a "members only" experience that's open to all. A specially curated entertainment and music program will add to the overall experience which evokes the feeling of a modern social club without dues, where both travelers and locals can enjoy. The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar will be located on the 14-floor rooftop of the hotel where light bites and cocktails will be served. In addition, Virgin Hotels Nashville will feature a Funny Library Coffee Shop, located on the first level of the hotel. The coffee shop is a communal workspace that will house an assortment of whimsical and funny books and games. Funny Library Coffee Shop will pour coffee by Laughing Man®, the brand co-founded by actor Hugh Jackman. The hotel will also feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, which will be open 24 hours a day, and over 9,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space. To maximize their time on property, guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program, The Know, to unlock member rate discounts, room upgrades, exclusive dining and event offers and a complimentary cocktail hour dubbed "The Spirit Hour."

Virgin Hotels Nashville is being developed by the Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by Virgin Hotels. The new build property is located in the heart of Nashville at the corner of Division Street and Music Square W. The hotel will join the city's iconic Music Row neighborhood, which is home to some of the most famous recording studios in music history, shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

Learn more at virginhotels.com/nashville

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!

Progress Update on Virgin Hotels NOLA

Image Credit: Virgin Hotels

Earlier this summer, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson took to The Big Easy to celebrate the groundbreaking of Virgin Hotels New Orleans. The occasion signified the brand’s 7th property in addition to the existing Chicago and San Francisco locations, the soon-to-open Virgin Hotels Dallas, and under construction Virgin Hotels New York, Las Vegas, Edinburgh, and Nashville (which CRE has the pleasure of working on as well).

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.

As the season comes to an end, we caught up with CRE project manager David Summerfield to get a progress update on the procurement process for Virgin Hotels New Orleans.

What is the inspiration behind the design of the hotel in your opinion?

The overall design celebrates the spirit, music, art and cuisine of New Orleans all while having a personalized touch by Virgin to create that unique and welcoming experience for guests.

Were there any brand standards that were followed during this project?

Like all of the other locations, Virgin Hotels New Orleans features the brand’s charismatic and contemporary style alongside ample communal space and a signature restaurant. Similar to Nashville, the new-build hotel will feature over 200 chambers, the brand’s take on guestrooms, the Commons Club, the brand’s flagship space, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.

Can you breakdown the FF&E installation process?

The model room installation is in currently in progress. All model room FF&E is being delivered directly to the project site and stored until the construction is complete and ready to install the FF&E. All FF&E has gone through an approval process to ensure each piece is made to its specification. There is a team on site to handle all deliveries and review the condition of the items once they’ve been received. When the site is complete, all FF&E will be installed, and there will be a review of all FF&E to ensure each piece meets the brands standards.

What is the biggest challenge you’re facing during this project?

The biggest challenge right now is the coordination of all the different FF&E pieces. Because the design has so many exceptional spaces, there are a great deal of unique items that need to be procured.

How are you working to overcome this challenge?

It is crucial to stay in constant communication with the entire project team to ensure everybody is on the same page and expectations are clear.

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

There are many unique aspects of the project. I especially like that there are so many different spaces and areas to enjoy throughout the hotel. The roof deck is awesome in that it will allow guests to sit back and relax while overlooking the entire city of New Orleans. I’m really looking forward to the completion of this incredible hotel.

FF&E Installation Underway at Homewod Suites

Homewood Suites by Hilton offers all the comforts of home, whether guests stay days, months or more with fully-equipped kitchens in every suite and accommodations for up to eight people. As FF&E installation is underway at the brand new Homewood Suites on the Wilmington, DE Riverfront, we sat down with CRE’s Procurement Manager Brenda Layne to learn more about what it takes to make a home at Homewood.

Can you breakdown the installation process?
Items are first delivered to the warehouse and are later delivered to the job site by floor. For example, floor 3 will be delivered and installed one day, while floor 4 will be delivered at a later time to avoid confusion and ensure proper placement. When items are delivered to the job site, the delivery occurs in the following order:

1. Hangables - mirrors, headboards, TV panels, anything that is secured to the wall.

2. Freestanding items

3. Upholstered goods

4. Window treatments

5. Operational items - hangers, clocks, etc.

What was the biggest challenge you experienced during this project?

One challenge we ran into that was difficult in regards to budget was the current uncertainty of Chinese tariffs as many of our vendors have factories in China. It was unknown how tariffs would increase the overall budget. This caused us to evaluate a number of different variables when sourcing products to remain within budget constraints.

How did you manage to overcome this challenge?

We worked very hard to source products from other countries. When possible, we prefer to select products manufactured in the USA.

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

The lobby and outdoor areas are my favorite spaces from the project. It takes the inspiration behind the design and brings it full circle. Specifically, I enjoy the artwork in the public spaces of the hotel, which do a great job of supporting the overall concept.

The Making of Makers Alley

Image Credit: Town Square Delaware

Makers Alley is a brand new bar coming soon to Downtown Wilmington, DE - complete with a classic Airstream travel trailer turned food truck. City living and the inevitable quest for hidden places and found spaces were the inspirations for Makers Alley.

“We wanted it to feel like an off-the-beaten-path kind of place. The design included removing two floors and creating a triple height volume for the space. It’s just flooded with light,” said Sarah Lamb, Vice President of Design and Marketing for The Buccini/Pollin Group.

Once a carpenter’s workshop, the industrial design pays tribute to the makers that formerly inhabited the space, dating back to the late 1800s. The Edison light bulbs, copper piping, original wood beams, and exposed duct work honor the history of the space. While the fire pits, hammocks, and landscaping (literally) breath new life into the forgotten and dilapidated building.

While the makers of the space add the finishing touches, we caught up with CRE procurement specialist, Zach Shope, to breakdown the process behind the making of Makers Alley.

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

I was in constant communication with the general contractor at Makers Alley to coordinate the shipping, delivery, storage, installation, and inspection of items to confirm the quality and condition of the items. I also supplied detailed information on the care and installation of products.

What was the biggest challenge you experienced during this project?

Working with the general contractor to ensure all of the gas-powered items, like the fire pit and heat lamps, met the installation requirement. In the end, the gas-powered items were installed safely within the appropriate time frame, but securing the instructions was a difficult process.

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

I like the gas fire pit that’s a focal point in the garden area. It has iridescent glass rocks in the middle and easily ignites with an electric push button.

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

The majority, if not all, of the lighting was sourced and imported internationally. The fixtures are all extremely unique and add to the cool “vibe” of the space.

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.