Marcus Hotels & Resorts has officially named Scott Sloan as general manager of Saint Kate, its new independent arts hotel that will open later this year at the former InterContinental hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
Marcus last year announced it would rebrand and renovate the hotel, located at 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., recently closing its doors for six months, expected to reopen later this year. Saint Kate will include 119 art-inspired rooms, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, 11 event rooms and three restaurants, as well as bars and lounges.
Sloan, who previously served as general manager of The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, Colo., will oversee daily operations at the hotel, including its pre-opening and opening events, the creation of three new restaurants, leading its 170 employees and forming community partnerships.
“I grew up in a family that appreciated the beauty of the arts, and I have cultivated that same passion within my own family. Saint Kate excites me because it is not just an arts hotel, but a true creative destination that everyone will be able to participate in,” said Sloan.
The hotel’s design plans also include a theater that will feature plays, lectures, classes and musical and dance performances; gallery space; a working artist-in-residence studio, and event spaces to host rotating exhibitions, screenings and workshops. The name pays homage to Saint Catherine, the patron saint of artists.
“At Kate’s house, our guests will be invited to partake in the arts in ways that stir their soul and encourage individual creation, ideation and dialogue, all while being supported with impeccable service. Whether it’s engaging with our resident artist, catching a ballet performance or seeing a commanding exhibition in our gallery space, many exciting artistic surprises await at Saint Kate.”
In addition to his previous role at The Elizabeth Hotel, Sloan has served as general manager and in operational roles at various boutique hotels and chain hotels throughout the country including The Napa Valley Marriott and Spa in Napa, Calif., The Curtis Hotel in Denver, Colo., Marriott Minneapolis Southwest in Minnetonka, Minn., and Hilton San Diego in Del Mar, Calif.
“Scott was carefully chosen for his lead role based on his drive to create compelling experiences for guests, his personal motivation to embrace the arts as a convener, and keen eye for the details large and small that welcome and envelop guests from the moment they walk in the door. His vast experience running luxury independent hotels will be extremely valuable as he executes on our vision for Saint Kate,” said Greg Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corp.
Marcus also named Tim Smith, general manager of the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, as managing director of Saint Kate’s. Smith will continue to serve in his current role.
