HOTEL DEREK IN HOUSTON SELLS

HOUSTON — Lowe Enterprises Investors (LEI) has purchased the 314-room Hotel Derek, an independent, 14-story boutique hotel located at 2525 W. Loop S. in Houston's Galleria submarket. LEI purchased the hotel on behalf of a joint venture the firm formed last year with The Guardian Life Insurance Co. Destination Hotels & Resorts, an LEI affiliate, will take over the hotel's management. LEI plans to invest $4.5 million to revamp the guest rooms and common areas, as well as update the hotel's technology. The hotel features a business center, fitness center, a 4,800-square-foot ballroom, an outdoor pool and the Valentino Restaurant and Vin Bar. LEI was self-represented in the transaction. Eastdil Secured represented the seller, and Wells Fargo provided debt financing.