Townsend Hotel ownership officially transferred

By Grace Lovins

The ownership and special land use permit of Birmingham’s classic Townsend Hotel, has officially been transferred to its new owner, Sheldon Yellen, following a decision by the city commission at their meeting on Monday, October 24.

The Townsend Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Birmingham, was purchased by BELFOR USA Chief Executive Officer Sheldon Yellen in July of this year. Yellen is a resident of Bloomfield Hills and owns other properties in the community, including the Tam-O-Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield.

Since opening in 1988, the Townsend Hotel has become renowned for its exceptional service and amenities, including an award-winning upscale contemporary restaurant, Rugby Grille, classic afternoon tea, and a variety of catering and wedding services, as well as luxe accommodations.

Kelly Allen, Bloomfield Hills attorney and Yellen’s counsel, told the commission that the Townsend will be a family-run business as Sheldon Yellen purchased the hotel alongside his brother, Michael Yellen. Yellen noted that the Townsend will remain a hotel and he does not have plans to make any major changes to the existing function and design of the hotel.

“We’ve been here for a lot of years, and we plan on being here for 100 more,” Sheldon Yellen said. “I’m very excited about the city of Birmingham. You men and women have done an incredible job of creating a great community. The Townsend, to me, is something I’ve always had my eye on and just loved since the day I walked in there, and I’m proud to be able to be a part of it, and I want to make it as good as it’s been.”

With no questions or discussion from both the commission and the public, a motion to allow the transfer of ownership and existing special land use permit for the Townsend Hotel was unanimously approved in a 7-0 vote.