KANSAS CITY, Mo. – (October 11, 2016) – The corner of 12th St. and Baltimore Avenue boasts one of the most beloved art deco buildings in Kansas City – the historic Hotel Phillips, completed in 1931. Executives from Arbor Lodging Partners, the company that owns the hotel, announced today details of the $20 million gut renovation that includes every aspect of the building to bring the hotel back to its original 1930s elegance while elevating the food and beverage experiences, comfort, amenities, and modern details.
“We bought this hotel because it reminded us of the grace and elegance of the 1930s, but we also wanted it to match the vibrant and modern sensibility of Kansas City today,” said Sheenal Patel, co-founder and principal of Arbor Lodging Partners. “Everything is getting an update with a nod to adding fun, elegance and refinement to the hotel, with three new exciting restaurant concepts, completely renewed guest rooms, an expanded lobby, and new places to gather.”
The art deco gem is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Following the renovation, which is expected to be completed in late 2016, Hotel Phillips will join Curio by Hilton – a collection of unique hotels in cities across the globe.
“We’re thrilled that Arbor Lodging Partners is making an investment in Hotel Phillips and in Kansas City,” said Sly James, Mayor of KC. “It enriches our downtown by adding a gracious but unpretentious property for visitors to spend time, dine, and enjoy the arts and entertainment our city has to offer.”
New Restaurant, Speakeasy, Coffee Bar, Central to Renovation
The renovation will feature three entirely new food and beverage concepts. The current 12 Baltimore restaurant is being replaced by Tavernonna Italian Kitchen. Tavernonna is being developed in partnership with DMK Restaurants, a Chicago-based hospitality company founded by industry veteran David Morton and five-time James Beard Award nominee Michael Kornick of Marché and mk.
A new speakeasy called P.S. will be built on the lower level of the hotel and call to mind the classic underground bars of the 1920s and early 1930s. Filled with cozy booths and lounge chairs, P.S. will feature exclusive small-batch beers and whiskies as well as signature cocktails and a late night menu. Barrel & Hatchet, a local Kansas City hospitality company that currently manages the award-winning Manifesto cocktail bar, is consulting on the development of P.S.’s concept and menu and will be involved in the lounge’s operation.
On the first floor, a new coffee bar called Kilo Charlie will face the street. With a light and airy atmosphere in keeping with the art deco vibe, the space will be highlighted by large glass and brass pendant light fixtures, tile walls and a parquet floor. Guests can meet at the coffee bar to work or chat and try Hotel Phillips’ exclusive coffee blend.
Restoring the Old, Bringing in the New
The renovation team will keep and restore the art deco details that remain in the hotel, such as the elaborate bronze and nickel metalwork, lustrous walnut paneling, stylized light fixtures and black glass on the ceiling that creates the illusion of endless space. In addition, the renovation plans include:
- Replacement of every element of guest rooms, from beds and linens to carpeting, bath fixtures and finishes, and high-tech touches such as flat-screen televisions, complimentary Internet and plenty of outlets and charging locations.
- Updated technology throughout the hotel to meet the needs of today’s travelers.
- Behind-the-scenes updates for guest comfort such as upgraded air and heating systems and noise-reducing windows.
- Extensive repair of the building’s façade, keeping historical elements intact.
- Expanding and reconfiguration of the hotel lobby to smooth check in and guest services, while keeping the soaring staircase, marble walls and floors, and 11-foot gilded statue of “Dawn” that has graced the lobby since the hotel’s opening. The new lobby will also include a game area where guests can enjoy classic entertainment from the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
Hotel Phillips is located in the heart of downtown and within minutes of the city’s arts and entertainment districts. Guests are welcome to stay during the renovation, which is being conducted discreetly with guest comfort remaining as the highest priority. A video featuring renderings and photos of the updated spaces can be found at https://www.facebook.com/HotelPhillips/videos. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.hotelphillips.com or call (877) 704-5341 or (816) 221-7000.
