MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 26, 2002 - The Madison Hotel is proud to announce that the Memphis Landmarks Commission and Memphis Heritage Inc. have awarded the hotel as the 2002 recipient of the Paul Gruenberg Commercial Rehabilitation Award.

Memphis Heritage, Memphis' private, non-profit preservation group, and the Memphis Landmarks Commission teamed up to hold their 26th annual preservation awards at the Madison Hotel on Sept. 12. The ceremony acknowledged the historical preservation efforts of local businesses in Memphis and awarded the 14 best projects for overall excellence in the area.

"The Memphis Preservation Awards are presented to recognize significant efforts in maintaining and stabilizing communities through historic preservation," said Paula Casey, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and member of Memphis Heritage Inc. "We are just delighted that the Madison Hotel is out here. Not only are they one of the most beautiful places downtown, but they also provide excellent service."

The renovation of the former Tennessee Trust Building at 79 Madison Ave. into Madison Hotel received this year's Paul Gruenberg Commercial Rehabilitation Award. This historic hotel in downtown Memphis was rehabilitated for use as a 110-room luxury boutique hotel that features stylish, contemporary dˇcor and imported fabrics and furnishings that give it a distinctly European feel. From the larger-than-life mural of B.B. King to the blues artist portraits in the mezzanine and the clef sign-shaped stair rail, the hotel's design pays tribute to the heritage of Memphis musicians while maintaining the tradition of southern hospitality and community values. Hotel amenities include an indoor lap pool, a fitness center, 24-hour in-room dining and a rooftop pavilion that features sweeping views of the Mississippi River.

"I am so pleased that the Madison Hotel has been acknowledged for helping preserve Memphis' history," says Mohammad Hakimian, president and CEO of Unison Hotel Co., the management company of the hotel, "The hotel was designed to combine the charming qualities of the bank's early 20th century architecture with the benefits and services of a modern downtown facility. I'm pleased to see that we have succeeded in accomplishing this goal."

The Madison Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. For more information, call 901-333-1200 or toll free at 1-866-446-3674.