RockBridge Partners Announces Rebranding of Ann Arbor Hotel as Sheraton

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RockBridge Partners, an affiliate of RockBridge Capital, LLC (RockBridge), an investment firm focused on the hospitality industry, announced that it has completed an $8.5 million renovation of the 197-room Ann Arbor Four Points by Sheraton and unveiled the new Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel at a ribbon cutting event. Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, manages the property for RockBridge, and will operate it under a franchise license agreement with Sheraton. The hotel is located at 3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI, near the University of Michigan.

“The lobby changes, in particular, are in tune with the desires of today’s travelers who want a comfortable place to interact while staying connected.”

“This hotel boasts a prime physical location off I-94, serving a strong local corporate community, as well as the academic and athletic departments within the University of Michigan. The market was underserved from a quality standpoint, and the newly launched Sheraton will set a new standard of hospitality in Ann Arbor,” said John Belden, president and CEO of Davidson. “This becomes the 10^th university-related property in our portfolio, and we now have the only Starwood product within 25 miles.”

The renovation of the 197 guest rooms focused on physical comfort and modern amenities. Dark wood furnishings, plush chairs, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as the Sheraton’s signature Sweet Sleeper beds, give guests the comforts of home, while 37” flat screen televisions, high-speed internet and a contemporary feel to the décor, bring the rooms up to a quality level unmatched in the market. The hotel also features the largest fitness center in the market, an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the largest ballroom in Ann Arbor that can accommodate up to 600, and a full service restaurant. The restaurant will offer some 40 wines by the glass and a seasonal menu, featuring locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients whenever possible.

The Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel’s new lobby invites lingering with wide open spaces, a warm palette, and the brand’s Link@Sheraton features, including free WIFI, Ethernet data ports, internet work stations, printing services, periodicals, and a communal lounge serving light food and drinks

“We’re confident that with the improvements that were made to the rooms, lobby and guest technology offerings, this property will quickly become a market leader in Ann Arbor,” said James Merkel, President and CEO of RockBridge. “The lobby changes, in particular, are in tune with the desires of today’s travelers who want a comfortable place to interact while staying connected.”

About RockBridge

RockBridge Partners was formed as the equity platform of RockBridge Capital, LLC. RockBridge provides capital to the hospitality industry through its Hospitality Funds and focuses on both debt and equity investments. The principals of RockBridge have formed and managed eight investment funds totaling nearly $1 billion, across multiple platforms with both institutional and private investors. Focused on creating value for their hotel operating partners, RockBridge invests first mortgage, mezzanine, and equity capital in hotels throughout the U.S. Since 1992, RockBridge has invested in over 300 assets nationwide with aggregate transaction capitalization of nearly $5 billion. For additional information about RockBridge, visit www.rockbridgecapital.com.

About Davidson Hotel Company

Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. The company’s portfolio encompasses 47 upscale, full-service independent and branded hotels with more than 13,300 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Hilton, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, Courtyard, Renaissance, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at www.davidsonhotels.com.