Cruce named McWhinney’s EVP for hospitality development

LOVELAND — Jason Cruce has been named executive vice president for hospitality development at McWhinney Real Estate Services Inc.

The company, a real estate investor and developer in commercial, multifamily, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use assets, said Cruce will oversee all aspects of hospitality development, including project staffing, negotiations with hotel brands, evaluation of national market opportunities, design and construction, financing and transition to asset management.

With more than 20 years of experience in transforming hospitality destinations, Cruce has delivered more than $2 billion in mixed-use commercial real estate; more than 5,000 boutique, luxury and lifestyle hotel keys; and more than 20 restaurants and nightlife venues, alongside retail-fit-outs and corporate office tenant improvements, according to a McWhinney news release.

Notable hospitality projects led by Cruce include Baha Mar in the Bahamas; SLS Hotels in Beverly Hills, California; Sahara Las Vegas; Treehouse in California’s Silicon Valley; and 1 Hotels in Nashville, West Hollywood, California, and Hanalei Bay, Hawaii.

“Jason’s appointment marks an important step as we continue to grow McWhinney’s hospitality portfolio,” said Will Little, McWhinney’s chief development officer, in a prepared statement. “He knows how to take complex projects from vision to reality, which is central to our mission of creating places people love. With Jason’s leadership, we’re well-positioned to pursue new opportunities and deliver destinations that meet the highest standards of design, innovation and guest experience.”

Cruce previously was senior vice president and head of hotel development for Starwood Capital Group. His career also spans leadership roles at Dakota Development and Hilton Worldwide, as well as founding consulting practices focused on luxury hotel development and global design standards.

Cruce officially assumed his new role at McWhinney Oct. 1.

“I’m proud to join McWhinney and contribute to the continued growth of its hospitality platform,” Cruce said in the news release. “What drew me here is the caliber of the team and its reputation across the commercial real estate industry for thoughtful, long-term vision. This is a place where destinations are created that perform for partners, resonate with guests and strengthen the markets in which they operate. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that record and to work alongside Will and our partners to advance a portfolio that sets McWhinney apart.”

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