EVANSTON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evanston welcomes its newest hotel, the Holiday Inn Chicago North – Evanston. The Holiday Inn Chicago North – Evanston recently completed an over $15 million renovation, taking the existing property down to its studs. This three year renovation was completed in June 2016. The family owned and operated property boasts of 159 rooms and suites, replete with over 6,000 square feet of meeting space, including an executive boardroom and an impressive ballroom that accommodates up to 300.
Su Yen, the proprietor, explains the vision of the Chicago based SB Yen Management Group. As a family owned and managed property, the Yen family purchased the property in 1992 and chose that particular location and the City of Evanston because of the sense of community that only a college town can provide. Coupled with the fact that the North Shore and Lake Michigan are stunning backdrops for this hotel. Mrs. Yen proclaims, “What a great place for a hotel! Northwestern is not moving, nor is the Lake or the North Shore.”
The architectural firm, FitzGerald Associates, has a history of over 100 conversions of historic structures. FitzGerald was selected for their style that conveys an enduring sense of place and visual impact. The palate was chosen for its simple, yet sophisticated look. The hotel features elements that complement the backdrop of Evanston designed to enhance and not interfere with anyone’s particular taste. Keeping in mind the rich architecture history of Evanston, the designer utilized earth tones and natural colors to complete the vision.
The Yens are especially proud of the signature restaurant, University Plaza Café (UPC), serving breakfast and dinner with a menu designed by our Executive Chef who hails from Louisiana. The menu boasts of gourmet comfort food, selected for the guest to experience a type of “home away from home” menu.
When recently asked, what is the difference between a hotel owner and a hotelier, Yen replied, “A hotel owner can buy and sell at any moment and has very little involvement with day-to-day operations. A hotelier has an emotional attachment to the property. One could say, a lifetime commitment, from start to finish.”
The Yen family is proud to employ over 60 associates in this diverse community.
SB Yen Management Group owns and operates five hotels and three restaurants in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Its flagship property is The Whitehall Hotel, located just steps from North Michigan Avenue
Website: holidayinn.com/evanstonil
Facebook: www.facebook.com/holidayinnevanston
