Glens Falls’ Landmark Queensbury Hotel Back Under Local Ownership

March 30, 2016

Businessman Ed Moore and team plan upgrades to restore The Queensbury Hotel to former glory

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — Downtown Glens Falls’ landmark Queensbury Hotel, opened by local business leaders in 1926, is back under local ownership for the first time in 60 years.

Queensbury businessman and philanthropist Ed Moore purchased the hotel from Maryland-based Real Hospitality Group on Monday, March 28, and formally introduced his vision for the property at a special community reception this morning.

“The Queensbury really is the ‘Queen’ of Downtown, and it will be our great privilege to return her to her former glory,” Mr. Moore said. “I am so pleased to have the opportunity to return this beautiful, historic hotel to its local roots. Our team has the same excitement and confidence in her future that her founders did a century ago.”

Anchoring a prime downtown corner across from picturesque City Park, the 125-room hotel has hosted a Who’s Who of movie and TV stars, rock stars and professional athletes (from Ronald Reagan to Phish), and been the setting for generations of charitable and civic affairs, wedding receptions, political events, retirement parties and family gatherings. The Queensbury also plays host to many business and leisure travelers, including motor coach operators, visitors to Glens Falls attractions and events, and vacationers enjoying the beauty of Lake George and the excitement of the Saratoga racing season.

The purchase price for the hotel was not disclosed, but Ed Moore said financing was provided by longtime downtown institution  Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co.

Under Mr. Moore’s ownership, the hotel will be operated under a management agreement with Spruce Hospitality Group, a business jointly owned by Queensbury residents Tyler Herrick, former assistant general manager at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, and Zachary Moore, Ed Moore’s son, who brings nearly a decade of property management experience to the venture.

“There was a time when The Queensbury was the setting for every major community function and family gathering in the area,” said Mr. Herrick, who will serve as the hotel’s general manager. “Our goal is to reconnect the hotel to our community in a way that hasn’t been seen in years. We’re inviting people to come back and make new memories.”

Zack Moore said, “Our family believes deeply in the future of the Glens Falls-Queensbury-Lake George region, and we see The Queensbury as a big part of that future. We have a steady, responsible investment plan for the property that will make people want to return to The Queensbury time and time again.”

Mr. Herrick said investments planned over the first 18 months of operations include the first phase of renovations and upgrades to the hotel’s 125 guest rooms and common areas, and an expansion of the hotel’s event space to create “a true ballroom environment in Downtown Glens Falls, with the ability to accommodate up to 400 people.”

The hotel is working with Phinney Design Group of Saratoga Springs, an architecture and interior design firm with extensive experience working in historic hotels, including The Sagamore, the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga, and the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.

“We’re going to approach the renovations on a schedule that is prudent from an operations standpoint and that minimizes any disruption to our guests,” Ed Moore said. “We’re going to ask the community to have patience with us as we begin this process, and we promise you that you’ll love the end result. You’re going to be proud to have The Queensbury Hotel in your backyard once again.”

City and regional leaders praised Mr. Moore’s investment and noted the significant accomplishments and impressive track record of success he has built over decades of business leadership in the area.

“The Queensbury Hotel holds many special memories for so many people, including me,” said Senator Betty Little.  “The future of this notable landmark in the Glens Falls community is now brighter, thanks to Ed Moore. I can’t wait to see the work Ed and his team do to refurbish this wonderful place.”

Assemblyman Dan Stec said, “What exciting news for Downtown Glens Falls and our entire region. The Queensbury Hotel is integral to the quality of life in our area, and it's in great hands with Ed Moore. He has tremendous business instincts and acumen, and his enthusiasm is infectious. I look forward to seeing what the future holds."

“The Queensbury Hotel is a one of the crown jewels of the city,” said Mayor John A. Diamond. “I’m happy to see this gem return to local ownership again. Ed’s commitment to the City of Glens Falls is greatly appreciated and it’s an example of what makes Glens Falls a great city — the large number of locally owned, locally run businesses.”

"Ed Moore's investment in The Queensbury Hotel is a great show of confidence in Downtown Glens Falls and the economy of our entire region," said EDC Warren County President Edward Bartholomew. "Sound, committed, local investment like this is a key to successful economic growth. We look forward to working with Ed and his team to bring their vision to fruition."

George Ferone, interim president and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, “Ed is a steadfast member of the community, supporting the local region in so many ways. From his community service on the Wood Theatre Board of Directors, being one of the founding members of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition and his recent investment in purchasing the J. E. Sawyer building, Ed has shown tremendous vision for our area. I know he will work hard to improve the Queensbury Hotel and return it to its former glory. The Chamber of Commerce stands ready to assist Ed with his plans for the future.”

A Queensbury resident for nearly 30 years, Ed Moore owns the French Mountain Commons outlet center and Log Jam Outlet Center in Queensbury, as well as the J. E. Sawyer building in Downtown Glens Falls, and has invested large amounts of money and time into numerous community organizations, including serving on the board of the the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls and the Seagle Music Colony in Schroon Lake. He is a founding member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition that formed last year to purchase the Glens Falls Civic Center from the City of Glens Falls.

Tyler Herrick, President of Spruce Hospitality Group, most recently served as assistant general manager of The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing and has more than a decade of experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, starting out as a front desk clerk at The Sagamore and moving into roles with greater responsibility and oversight. A graduate of Saint Lawrence University, Tyler lives in Queensbury with his wife, Sarah (O’Connor) Herrick, and their three children.

A native of Queensbury, Zack Moore has worked in the property management industry since 2008 with L&M Investments, a company founded by his father and late mother, beginning as a groundskeeper, and transitioning over the years to work on marketing, leasing and procurement. Zack and his wife, Kristy (O’Hanlon) Moore, live in Queensbury with their three children — on the same street as the Herricks. A graduate of Rutgers University, Zack is the managing partner in Spruce Hospitality Group.