MILWAUKEE— With the sale of its Baymont Hotel Group behind it, the Marcus Corp. has made it clear that it intends to remain involved in lodging by announcing that its hotel and theater divisions have expanded their real estate and development teams. Marcus Hotels and Resorts, based here, has appointed J. David Merritt as senior vp of development and Charles Barcus as vp of development. Merritt joins Marcus Hotels and Resorts from Lane Hospitality, where he was senior vp of development with responsibility for all phases of company growth and development. He also served as vp of acquisitions and development for FFC Hospitality, where he sourced and assessed the financial viability of many portfolio and individual hotel investment opportunities. Additionally, Merritt has held development positions with Interstate Hotels Corporation, Red Roof Inns and Westmont Hospitality. Hotel Management. Barcus most recently served as director of real estate for The Marcus Corporations former limited-service lodging division, Baymont Inns & Suites. Prior to joining Baymont, he served as senior vp of development for Amerihost Properties, Inc., Des Plaines, IL, where he led the company through a dynamic period of expansion involving the acquisition of existing hotels and the construction of new properties. Marcus Hotels & Resorts curently owns and manages 11 upscale properties.
