The St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio and the historic Stoneleigh Hotel in Uptown Dallas, will undergo over $50 million in improvements designed to return both properties to the “grand dame” status they enjoyed in their glory days.The owners of both hotels, New York-based Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Apollo’s partner in The Stoneleigh Hotel, Dallas-based Prescott Realty Group, have struck new agreements with Austin-based La Corsha Hospitality Group—founded and led by 25-plus year hotel industry veteran, Jeff Trigger—to lead the restorations and management of both hotels.

In addition to the two monumental hotel restorations, The Tower Residences at The Stoneleigh Hotel, a new 22-story luxury residential high-rise, will be built adjacent to The Stoneleigh Hotel.

The multi-million-dollar changes for both hotels include extensive refurbishing rooms and lobby areas, public spaces, restaurants, bars and spa facilities. Complete modernization of the infrastructure and “back-of-house areas” will be included.

The management of the historic downtown St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio will transfer from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts to La Corsha. The hotel will remain a part of the Wyndham flag, under the Wyndham historic designation.

Trigger’s extensive hotel management experience includes repositioning and overseeing the renovations at three other historic Texas hotels, including serving as Managing Director for two of Dallas’ finest hotels—The Mansion on Turtle Creek and The Adolphus Hotel. Most recently, in his role as Managing Director of The Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin, Trigger oversaw the $30 million restoration effort that brought the hotel to its four-diamond status.

“We are delighted to have Jeff Trigger join us as a partner as we embark this month on the total renovation of Dallas’ first and soon-to-be finest hotel, the legendary Stoneleigh Hotel,” said Jud Pankey, president of Prescott Realty Group. “Jeff’s reputation as one of the leading Hoteliers in the nation, coupled with his hands-on experience in transforming both The Driskill Hotel and The Adolphus Hotel from tired old hotels to dynamic new properties—while retaining their unique and historic charm—makes him the perfect partner for guiding us in the dramatic redevelopment of The Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas.”

“The same can be said for the impending renovation of San Antonio’s venerable St. Anthony Hotel,” added Randy Torres of Apollo Real Estate.

“They will never build another St. Anthony or Stoneleigh in their respective markets,” said Trigger. “These historic properties are worth reinvestment and restoration efforts that pay attention to everything from the big picture to the seemingly smallest of details.”

Trigger has been named to the list of “Best Hotel Managers in the World” by Leaders Magazine and listed as a “General Manager of the Year” by Business Traveler Magazine.

Construction will begin later this year on The St. Anthony Hotel, which will remain open during the anticipated 24-month project. Initial efforts began in July on The Stoneleigh Hotel—a grand reopening is expected in summer 2007. Construction is expected to commence in August 2006 for The Tower Residences adjacent to The Stoneleigh Hotel property.
——-