Vernon Hills still undecided about new hotel's blue lighting
Vernon Hills officials agree the solarium will be a nice touch, but they aren't so sure about blue accent lighting for a hotel conversion in town.
"We're not Vegas, we're Vernon Hills," village Trustee Cindy Hebda said during a recent discussion of the ongoing transformation of the AmeriSuites Hotel to the Hotel Indigo.
To give some perspective, Lane Hospitality, a Northbrook firm that will manage the new boutique hotel at 450 N. Milwaukee Ave., last week installed blue bulbs on one side of the building.
Several trustees took a look. But snow cover and fog made for poor viewing. Trustees were unconvinced but still interested in getting the full effect on the six-story building before voting on that aspect of the $4.5 million project.
So Lane will install about 18 lights to cover all sides of the building for the board's viewing pleasure prior to a future vote on the proposed access lighting, which also includes blue highlights on columns at the entrance.
"I believe strongly, that in the community that I live, this will enhance what you have. It won't be this big ugly monstrosity," John J. Marko Jr., regional director of hotel operations for Lane, told the village board this week.
Renovation of the 127-room hotel began about three months ago. Rooms will be transformed to include hardwood-style flooring, 32-inch flat-panel TVs and separate sitting and sleeping areas, among other amenities.
Other elements of the hotel include a 24-hour business center, free high-speed wireless Internet and a restaurant with breakfast and dinner selections that change with the seasons.
The hotel is owned by FCLC Vernon Hills Inc., and managed by Lane. InterContinental Hotels Group is the franchiser.
InterContinental is the world's largest hotel company by room count, with Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and others. Hotel Indigo is the company's newest brand.
The Vernon Hills Indigo will be the third in the area, with others operating in Palatine and Chicago. Sixty others are under construction in various stages, Marko said.
Industry publications describe Indigo as being the first branded boutique hotel. The concept is one of renewal, in which the public spaces and other aspects are changed periodically.
Marko explained that blue is an element of the Indigo brand but each location is different.
"It's a boutique look, so they've give each designer creative license," he said. "Boutique hotels all look a little bit different, and they're supposed to."
There are no plans to paint the building blue, as in Palatine, he emphasized.
"The blue is really a subtle look that will enhance the building," he said. "It's worth it to me to show you."
Trustees agreed to forgo a vote to see for themselves. There was little discussion Tuesday but based on prior comments, it could be a close call.
"I can't accept that type of facade at night. The blue is not going to cut it with me," Hebda said previously. She was backed at the time by Trustee Thom Koch.
"It's too Las Vegas," he said. "Everything about the proposal was fine except the lights."