Press release – source: Historic Hotels of America (NewsmakerAlert)
Washington, DC, November 2026 – Historic Hotels of America® honored Chuck Franz, CEO of French Lick Resort, with its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the finest historic hotels in the United States.
The award was presented at the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala during the 2026 Historic Hotels Annual Conference at the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection in Williamsburg, Virginia, on 15 October 2026.
Franz, a trusted associate of Cook Group founder Bill Cook and the Cook family, was instrumental in the rescue and restoration of French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. Under his leadership since taking full-time charge of the 3,000-acre resort in 2014, French Lick Resort has expanded convention business, championship golf, gaming, dining, spa and recreation while maintaining a commitment to historic preservation.
Projects under his tenure include workforce housing neighbourhoods, the Valley Tower wing addition of more than 70 rooms, restoration of the historic West Baden Billiards and Bowling Pavilion, and new cottages and golf course construction. West Baden Springs Hotel is a National Historic Landmark.
“Historic Hotels of America is pleased to recognize Mr. Franz with this award, which is reserved for individuals whose careers have made an enduring impact on the preservation and advancement of historic hotels. Under his leadership, French Lick Resort stands as one of Indiana’s leading tourism destinations and economic engines.” Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Historic Hotels of America. This recognition reflects the dedication of the entire French Lick Resort team and the vision of those who made the preservation and restorations of this remarkable property possible.” Chuck Franz, CEO, French Lick Resort
More information: historichotels.org
