05.01.11

Hotel Phillips Begins Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

International Design Firm Duncan·Miller·Ullmann Leading Exterior Design and Interior Renovations at Historic Kansas City Property

Kansas City, Mo. (May 2011) — The Hotel Phillips in downtown Kansas City has begun a property wide multi-million dollar renovation. The well-respected international design firm Duncan·Miller·Ullmann, designers of Hotel ZaZa and other experiential properties, is overseeing all aspects of the exterior and interior renovations. The renovation will meticulously accent and preserve the hotel’s
unique, elegant Art Deco design elements while adding high quality comforts that cater to today’s travelers. When the renovation is completed, Hotel Phillips will reflect the vibrant feel of Kansas City’s 12th Street back in the 1930’s with the excitement of this downtown city in the 21st century.

Commenting on the renovation, Dan Bergmann, Hotel Phillips’ general manager, stated, “We are extremely excited with this project, as it will give the city the most elegant historic hotel with high quality amenities, coupled with the exceptional guest services Hotel Phillips has been consistently recognized for throughout the years. Our overriding goal is to be able to offer Kansas City a unique downtown hotel. Duncan·Miller·Ullmann understood our vision for this renovation from our first meeting and it is a pleasure working with a firm that has such an outstanding reputation in the hospitality design field.”

Kimberly Miller, the designer from Duncan·Miller·Ullmann overseeing the renovation commented, “With Hotel Phillips we wanted to showcase the detailing and feel of the Art Deco era throughout the property. The statue of Dawn in the lobby was our inspiration for the hotel with her striking and majestic presence. This inspiration is reflected in the photos we selected for the rooms, the artwork behind the front desk and in the murals in the elevator lobbies. Dawn provides a creative thread throughout the hotel – a continuity and connection to the past.”

The hotel’s lobby and other public areas will retain the original 1930’s inlaid marble floors and pillars, walnut and wrought iron
accents and etched glass and brass light fixtures that helped place it on the National Register of Historic Places. However, moving forward the space will blend historic with modern chic for a boutique hotel befitting contemporary travelers. The lobby will offer a new sense of hospitality – whether guests want to have a cup of coffee, open their laptop or rendezvous with friends – the design goal is to offer a sincere welcome. New carpeting with a dramatic pattern will accent either side of the front desk and the mezzanine level. The furniture is an appealing eclectic blend of unique styles with several pieces discreetly incorporating technology and electrical outlets. Dramatic artwork will be featured behind the front desk and the mezzanine walls that will showcase Hotel Phillips memorabilia from throughout its history – a time that harkens back to the bawdier era of the Great Gatsby, lavish parties and flappers!

The 217 guest rooms will also offer guests a sense of welcome and hospitality. They will showcase custom designed furniture and accent pieces. The color palates will be warm neutrals with tasteful accents of deep blue. The carpeting is dramatic with a large scale pattern paired with deep earthy undertones. Fabrics are very tailored to achieve a high end residential experience. The original architectural details of all the rooms will be restored and embellished with daring accents of color. The bathrooms will have mirrors and other elements created just for Hotel Phillips.

The hotel’s new exterior lighting will impart a sense of drama and arrival. It is designed to accentuate the hotel’s historic stone detailing. Porte-cochere lighting will include decorative chandeliers hung from under the canopy. When completed, Hotel Phillips’ exterior will provide an elegant preview of the comfortable sophistication that awaits and welcomes guests.
Hotel Phillips opened in 1931 as the city’s most elegant hotel. Today it retains that beautiful distinctive Art Deco elegance that is now combined with the ambiance of a European-style hotel. It features unparalleled guest services and amenities. Hotel Phillips is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been recognized in Southern Living, Food & Wine and The Wall Street Journal.
Reservations can be made by calling 816-221-7000. For more information, visit www.hotelphillips.com.

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