Creating a design to reflect the local vernacular as well as create a sense of place for each guest served as inspiration for this renovation project. Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the design team created a space to showcase what makes the city special. Inspired by its waterways, industry, music and art, the design pays homage to the city’s rich history and textures. More specifically, the interiors take cues from the city’s flour mill industry and bountiful waterways.
The power of water is expressed through textures and forms as well as the cool and soothing color palette. The workings and materials of the flour mills are expressed through scored white plaster and dimensional, plaster art panels. All are punctuated with walnut woods, rolled steel, antiqued brass fittings and sleek-modern furnishings.
Upon arrival, a hand-painted mural prominently flanks the entry envelope and depicts the gears and cogs used in the flour mills of Minneapolis.
The front desk, organic in shape, speaks to the industrial origins of Minneapolis as well. The dramatic undulating-lobby-chandelier represents the multitude of waterways surrounding the city as its down-lit blackened-metal-chains become jewelry in the space. A commissioned art-piece behind the desk celebrates the colors and reflections of the Minneapolis skyline.
Abstract plaster wall-hangings within the lobby bar express the delicate nature of flour and the juxtaposition and the traces left behind by the strength of moving water. Behind the bar, a custom sliding wood-panel creates a dynamic, streamlined surface when closed but when opened, a dimensional topographical study of Minneapolis becomes evident.
Guest rooms are based on impressionistic interpretation of the river and designed to be light and airy – suites take a dramatic turn as a literal interpretation of Minneapolis’s musical icons. Each suite expresses a sophisticated tribute to these artists through artwork, textures, color and light.
