KANSAS CITY, MO— Milwaukee-based Marcus Corp. has spent $20 million turning the 20-story, 217-room Hotel Phillips into an upscale boutique hotel, marking the third time the property has been reborn in the past 12 years. The hotel first underwent a $12 million renovation in 1989 when it became the Radisson Suite Hotel. In 1995, another group spent more than $1 million on cosmetics such as new carpeting. Now its new owner, the Marcus Corp., thinks a complete renovation and a coming downtown revival will make for a successful operation where others have failed. When the hotel reopens on September 13, the company said, it will have a cozy, residential feeling, but with the amenities and service standards of a luxury hotel. The Marcus Corp. bought the hotel 18 months ago. The Hotel Phillips will be a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. SOURCE: Kansas City Star
