‘The Khayat touch’: Former Gurnee Holiday Inn being renovated and converted to apartments, boutique rooms
A prominent Lake County family business spanning generations for more than 40 years and known for its restaurants and projects is venturing into a new hospitality venue.
That has been particularly true in Gurnee, where Khayat Enterprises has three varied entrées on the food scene: Primo Italian American Cuisine, Fatman’s, and Lola’s Tacos and Tequila.
The business also operates LakeHouse as part of an overall development in Lake Villa and plans to open Pop’s Uptown Supper Club in Antioch in August.
With all those balls in the air, you might think the family would want to catch its collective breath. Not a chance.
The latest effort again is focused on Gurnee for what will be the Khayat's largest project and one that carries special significance with family connections.
Work is in full swing on the renovation and conversion of the former Holiday Inn, 6161 W. Grand Ave., just off the Tri-State tollway, to Ten Hotel Convention Center and Residences, a multifaceted hospitality venture.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years all over Lake County,” patriarch Christian “Pops” Khayat told the Gurnee village board in March in seeking approvals to proceed. “We’ve renovated a number of distressed properties and this one is very special.”
The hotel is near Gurnee Mills and Six Flags Great America but doesn’t seem like it’s changed much since the 1970s, Mayor Tom Hood said at the time.
“I’ve seen the Khayat touch on other things in town, so I have high hopes and aspirations for you guys,” he added.
The name “Ten” is a tribute to Marshal Khayat, the son of Christian and Twyla, who died in 2003. He wore that number as a multisport athlete at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein.
“This project is extra special,” said Nicole Khayat, president of Khayat Enterprises. “It is incredibly unique to the area as it combines hotel, restaurants, banquets and luxury apartments all on one site, right in the heart of Gurnee’s entertainment district.”
Limoncello Cafe breakfast and lunch restaurant and Twyla’s Lounge offering small bites, tapas and dinner menu are set to open Aug. 1. Connected to Twyla’s is Fore lounge, complete with two golf simulators. The restaurants will be open to the public and guests.
“We wanted something we haven’t seen in a hotel space before,” Khayat explained.
An 11,000-square-foot banquet space has been remodeled and rebranded, and depending on the configuration can accommodate from 600 to 1,100 guests. The makeover includes 10 three-tiered, 7-foot diameter chandeliers of Italian crystal and 40 matching wall sconces, fitting of a grand ballroom.
“We’ve got to bring the brides back to Gurnee and glam it up,” said Nicole Khayat.
As a historical aside, her father-in-law, Chris, and mother-in-law, Twyla Khayat, were the first wedding at the original Holiday Inn in 1976.
“Things really have come full circle,” Nicole Khayat said.
The residential component calls for 80 of the hotel rooms to be converted to studio and one-bedroom luxury apartments with premium finishes and private amenities targeted to young adults. Rents will range from about $1,300 to $1,800 per month. About 20 of the apartments are expected to be ready for tenants in the fall.
The remaining 105 hotel rooms on the west side of the building are being refreshed and converted to boutique spaces. The hotel is independently owned but Khayat Enterprises has partnered with Wyndham on the reservation and rewards program. Guests can join the Wyndham app and gain travel points.
For reservations and information visit thetengurnee.com.