We may have spent the past six months jetsetting from one location to the next, but an unlikely spot we've yet to hit is none other than our own Kentucky, home to the 21C Museum Hotel. Voted #1 in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler and #6 in the world, this intimate boutique hotel has piqued our interest for both its location and its acclaim. While we've been longtime fans of Kentucky thanks to our interest in horse racing, it's the hotel that will probably spur our first visit.
Today, we learned of 21c's next planned location, in yet another unlikely locale - Bentonville, Arkansas. The estimated $28 million project will be based on the core concept created for the award-winning 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville. The hotel is expected to break ground this fall and open in 2012. Project investors include a Walton family partnership (of WalMart), Bentonville Revitalization, Inc. and 21c Museum Hotels
21c Museum Hotels also are under development in Cincinnati, Ohio and Austin, Texas with plans to develop 15 properties over the next three to five years.
"We created the first hotel in 2006 as much out of our love of the arts and revitalization of downtown Louisville, as we did for a hotel investment," says Steve Wilson, founder and chairman of 21c Museum Hotels. "21c Museum Hotels is about bringing people together with art and each other in new ways," Wilson noted. "We succeed by providing a lively cultural experience for travelers and community residents alike. This hotel will be a creative, educational and civic resource for the people of Northwest Arkansas, as well as add some 160 jobs to the local economy."
Originally, the founders had no plans to expand outside of Louisville. However, the hotel's success both as a hotel and art museum attracted the attention of other civic-minded community leaders around the world who were interested in adding to the existing cultural and arts scene in their hometowns.
"The growth of 21c Museum Hotels is something that has happened organically," says Michael Bonadies, president and CEO. "Our developments will focus on dynamic cities, both large and small, that have a thirst for contemporary cultural, dining and hospitality destinations, and where there is a strong local partner."
"The best days for Bentonville and its downtown are ahead," said Mayor Bob McCaslin. "Today's announcement only increases the excitement that already exists around the future opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This prestigious facility will help complete the transformation of Bentonville into a world renowned destination."
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a new complex in a 100-acre park currently under construction with a permanent collection of American art ranging from the colonial era to contemporary works. The iconic wood and glass building will house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large auditorium. The Museum will be linked to downtown Bentonville by sculpture and walking trails and will be located approximately a quarter mile from 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville.
21c will be located on the northeast corner of the Bentonville town square within walking distance of not only Crystal Bridges but also the worldwide headquarters of Walmart. Like the Louisville museum and hotel, it will be woven into the fabric of downtown, welcoming both visitors and members of the community to experience its rotating exhibitions, participate in its programs and enjoy its culinary offerings. With more than 12,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting and event space, 21c will present curated, rotating exhibitions, dynamic installations and live art events. Exhibition space will be open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The preliminary plan features a five-story contemporary building with an active street level presence. The hotel will offer a spa, fitness center and other amenities. The hotel also will feature a restaurant that supports sustainable agriculture and serves contemporary cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients. It also will showcase the 21 Museum Hotel's iconic penguins, created by Cracking Art Group.
Design Architect Deborah Berke & Partners, who created the cutting-edge 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, will collaborate with Little Rock-based firm Polk Stanly Wilcox and Louisville-based co-developer Poe Companies on the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville. The property in Bentonville will be designed, constructed, and operated incorporating green practices and using sustainable materials.
We're very interested to see this hotel progress, but not sure we'll visit Bentonville unless it's for an assignment. What are your thoughts?
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