FORT WORTH (Feb. 17, 2020) – AC Hotel Fort Worth, a key addition to Tarrant County’s hospitality market, has hit some key milestones on its way to a planned early fall 2020 opening. This includes the selection of its leadership team – operating company, general manager and director of sales and marketing. The 252-room, 16-story AC Hotel Fort Worth is owned and developed by Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate company headquartered in North Texas.
“Jackson-Shaw is excited to welcome Crescent Hotels & Resorts as AC Hotel Fort Worth’s management company, industry veteran Aaron R. Oquendo as general manager and Jillian Lehmann as director of sales and marketing,” says Joe Blewitt, Jackson-Shaw vice president of asset management. “In addition to having a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry, each has held positions very familiar with our core values, including our commitment to personalizing the guest experience and maintaining strong ties with the local communities we serve.”
Crescent Hotels & Resorts manages a diverse portfolio of properties throughout the United States and Canada in both urban and resort markets across the upscale, upper-upscale and luxury segments. The portfolio is comprised of full-service premium branded hotels within the Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt brands, as well as high-end independent and lifestyle hotels.
Aaron R. Oquendo, as AC Hotel Fort Worth’s general manager, has 18 years’ hospitality leadership experience in a variety of roles at several world-class properties, including The Palazzo at The Venetian in Las Vegas and Disney Cruise Line. He most recently oversaw Jackson-Shaw’s three Marriott brand hotels and a full-service conference center within Cascades at The Colony. In his role as general manager for the AC Hotel Fort Worth, Oquendo will be responsible for guiding the hotel and staff through the opening and continued daily operations.
“AC Hotel Fort Worth will provide a hospitality experience entirely new to the city,” says Oquendo. “The shape, rhythm and beauty of the details represent a combination that will create the perfect location for a business meeting, weekend stay, wedding, sporting event or family reunion.”
A true passion for hospitality, Jillian Lehmann has been named director of sales and marketing. She began her career in the industry more than 16 years ago at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Most recently, Lehmann was associate director of sales for Hyatt Regency North Dallas. She will lead the hotel’s sales, marketing and public relations initiatives, as well as provide best-in-class service paired with indelible moments for guests and patrons.
Development partners for AC Hotel Fort Worth include:
- Financing: Simmons Bank
- Design: Merriman Anderson Architects
- General Contractor: Austin Commercial
- Project Management: Epperson Company
