MINNEAPOLIS– May 12, 2016 – HRI Lodging, LLC (HRIL) and Embassy Suites Minneapolis announce Don Cook as General Manager and Richard Fischer as Director of Sales of the 290-room high-end downtown property currently under construction. The $110 million redevelopment of the former Plymouth Building led by HRI Properties, parent company of HRIL, will reopen as an Embassy Suites in September 2016.
Don Cook, General Manager Cook comes to Embassy Suites Minneapolis from the Hilton Shreveport, another HRIL managed property, where he was General Manager since 2014. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, with more than 25 years in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Hilton Shreveport, he served as General Manager for a number of top properties including the Embassy Suites Orlando, The Hotel Minneapolis and the Atlanta Marriott Norcross.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Cook has received numerous awards in his career, including Outstanding Hotel Executive of the Year, General Manager of the Year, Sales Team of the Year and Revenue Management Team of the Year.
“Knowing firsthand how successful Don was in managing our hotel in Shreveport, we were completely confident in his ability to assume management of this new hotel,” said Larry Daniels, Vice President of Operations for HRIL. “His established track record, comprehensive lodging experience and hands-on management style proves that he has what it takes to excel in this top management position. We are thrilled he is staying in the HRIL family. “
As General Manager, Cook will be instrumental in opening the new hotel and building a best-in-class team to ensure Embassy Suites Minneapolis stands out as a premier option in the thriving Minneapolis market.
Richard Fischer, Director of Sales Fischer comes to Embassy Suites Minneapolis after serving most recently as Director of Sales for the Hotel Minneapolis. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Fischer has received countless awards for leadership, exceeding sales goals and setting sales records.
“We are thrilled to welcome a Director of Sales with Richard’s expertise and leadership. His almost 20 years of hotel experience and familiarity with the Minneapolis market make him the perfect person to launch our new hotel,” said General Manager Don Cook.
In his new role, Fischer will lead the Marketing and Sales divisions, mentor the revenue generating teams and build sales relationships within the Minneapolis community. Fischer is well versed in the many responsibilities of the position, including training, developing and coaching sales teams to understand and exceed Revenue, RevPAR and Sales Productivity Goals.
HRI Properties’ redevelopment of the hotel involves 9,000 square feet of meeting space including a 3,600-square foot ballroom; a 2,000-square foot fitness center; an indoor swimming pool; a first floor bar; and a 7,000-square foot leased restaurant space in addition to the existing local landmark Lyon’s Pub, which remains in operation during the redevelopment of the rest of the building.
Built in 1910-1911, the Plymouth Building was touted as the world's largest all-reinforced concrete office building at the time it was constructed. In 1936 the building's exterior was renovated, removing much of the ornamentation and beaux arts styling in favor of a cleaner and more modern appearance. In 2014 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on the basis of its unique construction methods.
The Plymouth Building is HRI Properties’ 81st redevelopment project completed or currently under construction in its 35 year history. The company is known for being a leader in the adaptive reuse of historic structures, with redevelopments totaling 5,015 hotel rooms, 6,381 residential units, and 1.45 million square feet of office space with $2.5 billion in total development costs.
