SAINT PAUL, MN—After acquiring a portfolio of hotel properties comprising almost half the rooms in the City of Saint Paul, the Corporate Commission of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Graves Hospitality have signed a deal to convert the 22-story, 468-room Crowne Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel into an InterContinental hotel, making it the only InterContinental hotel in the state.
The completion of the multimillion-dollar renovation is planned for this year.
“We know how important this hotel is for St. Paul,” stated Graves Hospitality’s President/COO Benjamin Graves. “By bringing the first-ever InterContinental branded hotel to Minnesota and creating a world-class property, we will put this city on the map for global travel.”
The Crowne Plaza is considered St. Paul’s largest hotel and offers more than 55,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
“This is a dramatic reinvestment that will continue downtown Saint Paul’s rapid growth and vitality,” added Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “I am thankful to have the partnership of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the Graves family. There are many good things in store for Saint Paul, and I look forward to seeing what they have in store for this property.”
Joe Nayquonabe Jr., Commissioner of Corporate Affairs for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, stated, “The change is about more than just a brand flag—it’s a statement about our long-term commitment to the City of Saint Paul as well as our commitment to delivering excellence in all of our business ventures.”
Each room will receive a complete overhaul, including an expanded bathroom, furniture and fixtures. Other public areas, such as the lobby and meeting spaces, will be upgraded and a new bar and restaurant concept will be added.
During the renovation process the hotel will remain open as the Crowne Plaza Riverfront, and officially become an InterContinental this summer.