5 Beekman to become a Thompson hotel

The Real Deal reported last week that a joint venture partnership including New York Ace Hotel owner and GFI Capital Resources Group President Allen Gross’ GB Lodging has purchased 5 Beekman Street. Now word comes that the Lower Manhattan property will become a hotel under the Thompson Hotels brand, operated by Commune Hotels & Resorts, according to a statement from Commune.

The Chetrit Group and Bonjour Capital sold the nine-story building, at Nassau Street, to GB Lodging, after a planned sale to hotelier Andrea Balazs fell through last year. The sale has now closed, a spokesperson for Commune said. The spokesperson did not know how much GB Lodging paid for the building.

The ornate, landmarked building will become a 297-room boutique hotel with 90 residences, according to the statement.

Thompson operates hotels in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami Beach, Toronto, and London.

“We will pay homage to the history and grandeur of this iconic building and combine classic and modern design to create a vibrant community that will further enliven and rejuvenate the Financial District and downtown Manhattan,” said Jason Pomeranc, Commune Hotels & Resorts’ co-chairman. — Guelda Voien