RENAISSANCE DENVER DOWNTOWN CITY CENTER TO OPEN EARLY 2014 IN DENVER’S ICONIC COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel
DENVER – One of Denver’s most iconic structures, the historic Colorado National Bank building, will welcome travelers as the new Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center in early 2014. The hotel will feature 230 guestrooms, 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and Range, an original concept restaurant and bar, serving locally-purveyed cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West.
 
Imbued with a series of 16 original murals from the iconic western muralist Allen Tupper True, the property showcases historic elements from the building’s initial construction in the early 20th century, juxtaposed with the accommodations, amenities and comforts of a modern luxury hotel. As with all Renaissance hotels, the Renaissance Denver Downtown will encourage guests to discover Denver, by offering insider tips and authentic local experiences.
 
“We are proud to give one of Denver’s most beloved local landmarks new life as a luxury hotel,” said Navin Dimond, president and CEO of Stonebridge Companies, owner and operator of the hotel. “There is something special about being able to help connect visitors to the city with a piece of its past. We hope to provide them a modern experience in a historic setting, and one completely unique to this city.”
 
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Colorado National Bank building was designed by famed Denver architects William and Arthur Fisher. It was originally erected as a four-story building in 1915 on the corner of 17th & Champa Streets in downtown Denver, an area deemed the “Wall Street of the Rockies.” The building’s neoclassic, Greek Revival architecture is highlighted in its towering white exterior columns and walls, created with marble from the Colorado Yule Marble Company, the same marble that was also being used the year it was built to erect the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Large monogrammed bronze doors opened to the three-story interior atrium, constructed with marble flooring, ornate bronze accents and the most secure vaults in existence at the time, with doors weighing 60,000 pounds – details that all still remain.
 
Currently in the process of being meticulously restored, the building’s lobby features 16 original oil-on-canvas murals by renowned Western artist Allen Tupper True. Titled “Indian Memories,” these murals are amongst True’s most famous; some of his other prominent works include murals in the Wyoming, Missouri and Colorado state capitols, as well as Wyoming’s “bucking horse” symbol, featured on the state’s license plate. The murals consist of five triptychs, each named after and demonstrating a different aspect of Native American life, including “Youth,” “Buffalo Hunt,” “War,” “Women,” and “Art Work.” The series concludes with a much larger mural, “Happy Hunting Ground.”
 
Design Force has been commissioned to design the interior of the hotel, and will utilize a palette of bright colors and rich Tigerwood accents in the guest rooms, while playing off many of the original elements in the lobby. To complement the building’s juxtaposition of historic and modern, Denver-based NINE dot ARTS was commissioned to curate a collection of original artwork for the hotel. The lobby will include several signature pieces designed to highlight, and re-contextualize the building’s murals, each from an emerging Colorado-based artist or local gallery; it will also be home to a history wall, showcasing a detailed explanation of the True murals, as well as artifacts, architectural imagery and photos from the bank’s storied past. Additionally, the hotel corridors on every floor will each present a different theme from the building’s history through artwork, and guestrooms will feature photography from Denver-based photographer Paul Brokering, highlighting the building’s distinct architectural elements.
 
The Renaissance at the Colorado National Bank will be comprised of 221 guestrooms and nine suites. The hotel will also offer a fitness center; complimentary 24-hour business center; Range, the hotel’s original concept restaurant and bar, serving “new Colorado cuisine;” and 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, which most notably includes three boardrooms recreated in the building’s original bank vaults, complete with original 33-inch thick steel safe doors.
 
Renaissance hotels are known for their locally-inspired architecture and design, destination restaurants and bars, and most importantly, the off-the-radar travel experiences they provide. As such, the hotel’s Renaissance Navigators are available to make personal recommendations as to the best places to places to savor, sip, shop and discover the local culture. More than a concierge, Renaissance Navigators scout out and share with guests the “must-see” places typically only known to Denverites, allowing guests to discover the best the city has to offer, no matter the length of their stays.
 
At the Renaissance at the Colorado National Bank, Renaissance Navigators are well versed and ready to share information about the city’s best craft breweries and distilleries; the closest Colorado Fourteeners to summit and other outdoor pursuits; downtown rooftop patios with the best views of the Rockies; top local live music venues; and favorite farm-to-table restaurants, among other favorites for locals and travelers alike.
 
Adding to the one-of-a-kind experience the hotel will offer, is a complimentary interactive walking tour, available via smartphone to guests and hotel visitors alike. The brief cultural tour of the property will provide users with information on everything from the artwork – both historic and modern – to the history of banking in Colorado (and the related notable elements still viewable in the building), to the cocktails and dishes available onsite that utilize local ingredients or spirits.
 
The eight-story hotel boasts a prime location within Denver’s financial district, just a half block from the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall and three blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. It’s also within walking distance to popular downtown hotspots including Coors Field, the Pepsi Center, the Denver Art Museum, the Larimer Square shopping and restaurant district and Denver’s major light rail station, Union Station. The hotel is also near Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High, Denver Civic Center, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver. Denver International Airport is just 25 miles away, offering daily nonstop flights from most major markets, and the majestic Rocky Mountains beckon from the horizon, visible from several of the guestrooms.
 
About the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center
Opening early 2014 in downtown Denver’s famous Colorado National Bank building, The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center provides guests with a modern experience in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. The hotel features 221 guestrooms and nine suites; 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; a fitness center; and Range, an original concept restaurant and bar, serving locally-purveyed cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West. Imbued with a series of 16 murals from the iconic western muralist Allen Tupper True, the property showcases historic elements from the building’s original construction in the early 20th century, juxtaposed with the accommodations, amenities and comforts of a modern luxury hotel. The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center is ideally situated in Denver’s financial district, a half block from the 16th Street pedestrian Mall, three blocks from the Colorado Convention Center and within walking distance to popular sporting venues such as Coors Field and the Pepsi Center, as well as to local retail and restaurants on Larimer Square and at Union Station. For more information, visit http://www.marriott.com/dendr, or call (303) 867-8100.
 
About Stonebridge Companies
Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel management company headquartered near Denver. Currently, Stonebridge Companies operates more than 45 hotels comprising more than 7,000 guest rooms nationwide. The diverse portfolio includes select-service, extended stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in primary and secondary markets. For detailed information, visit www.StonebridgeCompanies.com
 
About Renaissance
Renaissance Hotels encourages guests to Live Life to DiscoverSM at more than 155 hotels in 35 countries around the world. Each hotel is unique and every stay offers an opportunity to explore local discoveries exclusive to the destination. At every hotel, Renaissance Navigators are local experts ready to assist guests in discovering local flavors and activities. Signature RLife LIVE entertainment events are designed to showcase emerging talent in music, the arts, culinary and more to inspire discovery. R.E.N. Meetings offers groups an experience beyond a traditional meeting rooted in creative sensory meeting design, RLife LIVE networking events and custom curated local Navigator excursions.  At Renaissance Hotels, we work to ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. You spend your life working, you should discover the world as you go. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RenHotels. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels.