Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Announces First Project in the Heartland
Leading Boutique Hospitality Company to Expand into Omaha, Nebraska
SAN FRANCISCO (May 30, 2019) -- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today its first property in Nebraska, a complete rehabilitation of the historic Blackstone Hotel and former office building. The project is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020.
Located in the popular and vibrant Blackstone District of Omaha near several iconic American companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, Ameritrade, and the Kiewit Corporation as well as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the century-old property will feature 205 guestrooms, a steakhouse and the reimagined celebrated Cottonwood Room bar. A swimming pool in a resort-style setting and almost 11,000 square feet of meeting space including the restored famed rooftop Grand Ballroom round out the project.
In collaboration with two prominent Omaha developers, Clarity Development Company and GreenSlate Development, Kimpton will help to create a world-class hotel that embraces its place in the community and the history of Omaha.
“We’re very excited to join forces with Kimpton in bringing one of the most important buildings in the state back to life,” said Tom McLeay, President of Clarity Development. “We feel privileged to have this opportunity to renew a treasured Omaha landmark that has meant so much to our community, and at the same time offer a unique experience and product to the Kimpton traveler that showcases the best of Omaha.”
Built in 1916 in the heart of the city, the building is rich with history. One of the earliest structures in Nebraska listed on the National Register of Historical Places, it was once the premier hotel for travelers going between Chicago and San Francisco. Richard Nixon announced his presidential run from the Grand Ballroom in 1967 and in its heyday, the Orleans Room was the most famous restaurant in the city, as well as the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich.
“We’re thrilled to expand our portfolio in the Midwest with this iconic property,” said Mike DeFrino, Chief Executive Officer at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “Adding Omaha alongside other Kimpton cities like Chicago and Milwaukee strengthens our presence across this part of the country and is key to our continued growth. Clarity Development and GreenSlate Development are like-minded partners who will help bring Kimpton to one of Omaha’s most desired neighborhoods.”
Leo A Daly and DLR Group will lead the architecture and interior design process in partnership with Kimpton’s design team, Global Senior Vice President of Design Ave Bradley and Design Director Jennifer Porterfield.
The Kimpton Omaha property is owned by the principals of Clarity and GreenSlate and their local investment partners, and will be managed by Pivot Hotels & Resorts, the lifestyle and luxury operating division of Davidson Hotels & Resorts.
To learn more about the Kimpton Omaha project visit www.kimptonhotels.com.
ABOUT CLARITY DEVELOPMENT
Clarity Development Company brings its unparalleled expertise in real estate financing, development and management to its projects striving to create a unique and fulfilling built-environment.
ABOUT GREENSLATE DEVELOPMENT
GreenSlate is responsible for developing and managing Omaha’s Blackstone District- a diverse, multi-use community where people can live, work and play. Located at the center of Midtown, the Blackstone District is designed with modern living in mind.
About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a leading collection of boutique hotels and restaurants and the acknowledged industry pioneer that first introduced the boutique hotel concept to the United States. In 1981, Bill Kimpton founded the company that today is renowned for making travelers feel genuinely cared for through thoughtful perks and amenities, bold, playful design and a sincerely personal style of guest service. Out to help people live full, balanced lives, Kimpton aims to inspire with touches like yoga mats in every room, complimentary coffee and tea to start the day, hosted evening Wine Hour, in-room fitness programming and complimentary bike rentals. The award-winning restaurants and bars are led by talented chefs and bartenders that offer guests a chance to dine like a local.
Kimpton is consistently ranked as one of the top companies in the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, Upper Upscale Segment, for Customer Satisfaction. The company is highly-regarded for its innovative employee culture and benefits and has been named a FORTUNE magazine “Best Place to Work” seven times since 2009. Kimpton is continuously growing and currently operates over 60 hotels and 70 plus restaurants, bars and lounges in 30 U.S. cities. In January 2015, Kimpton was welcomed into the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands, bringing together two special cultures and sets of values to create the world's largest boutique hotel business.
About Pivot Hotels & Resorts
Pivot Hotels & Resorts, the lifestyle and luxury division of Davidson Hotels & Resorts operates with a deep-rooted passion for continuous innovation, exceptional service delivery, revenue generation, inspired marketing and financial responsibility. Constituted by some of the most accomplished leaders in lifestyle hospitality, Pivot Hotels & Resorts caters to today’s experience-oriented, adventure-minded traveler through inspiring design, thoughtful service, and one-of-a-kind experiences at each of its hotels and resorts. The Pivot Hotels & Resorts portfolio encompasses a number of hotels and resorts across the US with more in development. More information may be found at www.pivothotels.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Reservations questions can be directed to
talktous@kimptongroup.com
For press queries, please contact:
Allison+Partners for Kimpton
Kimpton@allisonpr.com
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kristin Huxta Bradley / kristin.bradley@kimptongroup.com