12.03.13

The Marcus Corporation Commemorates Historic Pfister Hotel’s 120th Anniversary with First Edition Hardcover Keepsake Book

Milwaukee, Wis., December 3, 2013. . . . .Just in time for the holidays, The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS) is proud to unveil “The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel” first edition hardcover book to commemorate the iconic Pfister Hotel’s 120^th anniversary.  Distinguished by exemplary and original photography, the book captures the timeless beauty, hospitable personality and elegance this world-class hotel has offered generations since its opening in 1893.

This historic Milwaukee landmark was built in 1893, and was considered the “grand hotel of the west.”  The vision of its founding fathers, Charles and Guido Pfister, was to have a “palace for the people” – a place of heritage, richness and tradition.  A grand dame of showplaces for decades, The Pfister’s reputation for quality, comfort and elegance enabled the hotel to attract every U.S. President since McKinley, as well as hundreds of celebrities, sports figures and world dignitaries.

Published by The Marcus Corporation and registered with the Library of Congress, the book’s 283 pages are filled with breathtaking photography by Milwaukee photographer Jay Filter. Written by Thomas Jordan and designed by Steve Biel, both also from Milwaukee, the “coffee table” book details the hotel’s simple, yet elegant architecture and history, showcasing ironwork railings and staircases, exquisite chandeliers, the Victorian front desk that has greeted guests since 1893 and original paintings collected by Charles Pfister himself.  The stunning images tell the story of The Pfister through its beauty and serenity, which will never go out of style.  The photos take the reader back in time to when there was a billiards room, barbershop and cigar store, now home to the relaxing WELL Spa and Salon.  The book shares with its readers places where brides have stood on their wedding day looking down over the lobby, where guests are greeted daily and where U.S. Presidents have slept.

“As we celebrate the 120^th anniversary of The Pfister Hotel, a milestone that has only been reached by a very small number of historic hotels, we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind piece that tells the story of this elegant hotel and all that it has meant to our guests, local residents and the Milwaukee community,” said Chris Anderson, senior vice president of sales, marketing and brand development for Marcus Hotels & Resorts.  “Throughout the creation of the book, no scenarios were staged and no photos were altered – the book truly captures the reality and historic character of the hotel.  This visual storybook is a timeless piece and will hold a special place in the hearts of all of our guests who have fond memories of The Pfister.”

As part of the 120^th anniversary celebration, The Pfister Hotel hosted Historic Hotels of America’s® annual conference November 19 – 21, 2013.  The Marcus Family was honored with the first ever Heritage Award at the gala November 21.  The award is a special recognition honor presented annually to an individual, a hotel, an ownership entity, or management company which has demonstrated an inspirational leadership role in preserving, strengthening, and honoring its community’s unique cultural and heritage treasures.  At this year’s conference, attendees received a complimentary copy of the book as a gift from The Pfister.

The commemorative books have been placed in every guest room at The Pfister and are available for purchase for $49.95 at the hotel.  Books are also available for purchase online from Amazon and locally at Barnes and Noble and Boswell books.  Additionally, the books will be displayed in over 30 university libraries throughout the U.S., as well as art museums and public libraries.

“This is a very special year for The Pfister and for all of us at The Marcus Corporation as our flagship hotel celebrates 120 years of providing legendary service and luxurious accommodations.  Our company has owned and maintained the hotel for 50 years, and for this and many more reasons, The Pfister holds a special place in my family’s history,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation.  “We are in the business of creating memories and our associates work diligently to make our guests’ experience the best it can be.  It has been an honor to maintain and enhance this historic treasure for three generations, and we are excited to share this one-of-a-kind keepsake book with our guests.”

Credits

“The History, Art & Imagery of The Pfister Hotel” was the brainchild of Chris Anderson, senior vice president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

Author Thomas J. Jordan is an international award-winning advertising writer and the former chairman and chief creative officer of Hoffman York Advertising.  He is the author of four top-selling books on marketing.

Creative Director Jay W. Filter is a retired advertising agency executive, who after hiring dozens of photographers to execute his vision, decided to take up the craft himself.  He has won countless national and international awards.  Several of his pieces are featured in college textbooks on Advertising and Marketing and a number of his works are now archived in the Library of Congress.

Designer Steve Biel is a multi-talented designer/art director in both print and web-based projects.  He has spanned high-level positions at the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Monthly publications, as well as having served as director of design and publications at the renowned Milwaukee Art Museum.

The book was printed by Wisconsin-based Quad Graphics.

To download the full PDF release: [wpdm_file id=43]

About The Pfister Hotel

Built in 1893, The Pfister Hotel has been the premier downtown Milwaukee hotel for more than a century, and continues to celebrate a tradition of gracious service and impeccable style; 2013 marks the hotel’s 120^th year as an icon in Milwaukee. The Pfister Hotel was purchased in 1962 by Ben Marcus, who vowed to renovate the distinguished hotel to its original beauty. Significant renovations were completed and a new 23-story guest room tower was built. In fall 2012, The Marcus Corporation celebrated its 50^th year of ownership of the property.

Home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, The Pfister is a AAA Four-Diamond property with membership in two of the industry’s leading organizations: Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. More information and updates on the hotel can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thePfisterHotel and on Twitter (@PfisterHotel).

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 19 hotels, resorts and other properties in 10 states.  A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations.  The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels.  For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

About The Marcus Corporation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets.  In addition to its Marcus Hotels & Resorts division, the company’s movie theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, is the fifth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 685 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio.  For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.marcuscorp.com.

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