The Normal Town Council authorized new ownership Monday for the Marriott Hotel in Uptown Normal.
Current owner John Q. Hammons (JQH) will sell the hotel to Atrium Hospitality. The company will also manage the conference center owned by the Town of Normal.
City Manager Pam Reece said incoming management staffers have worked for each company.
"As we understand the current general manager, Justin, started in December or so. At one point in his career he also worked for Atrium Hospitality. He then worked for JQH and now will ultimately working back for Atrium Hospitality," Reece said.
JQH is based out of Springfield, Mo. Hammons himself died in 2013, and the company has filed bankruptcy. Atrium Hospitality is in the process of taking over several hotels JQH owned.
Atrium Hospitality will assume ownership of the Marriott in Uptown on May 1. The Normal Marriott opened in 2009.
Mayor Update
Normal Mayor Chris Koos has been away from his duties as he undergoes treatment for prostate cancer. Koos said he would be taking his leave of absence for most of April.
Reece said he could be back next week.
"He did touch base last week. He says he's doing very well," Reece said. "He does hope to be back in probably about a week."
Koos announced his diagnosis during the April 2 council meeting. Council member Jeff Fritzen is serving as acting mayor until Koos returns.
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