Hotel Indigo Crossroads Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is creativity at her core. A century ago, Kansas City was a hub for film warehouses and distribution, and today has the most intact Film Row districts in the country. Walt Disney founded his first studio, Laugh-O-Gram Films” and discovered his inspiration for Mickey Mouse when befriending a little mouse who took up residence there.
Kansas City’s history of film creativity transitioned to fine arts when a professor at the Kansas City Art Institute bought an old paintbrush factory. Determined to keep his students in town after graduation, Jim Leedy converted the factory into studios and lofts and soon opened a gallery. That one gallery was simply a starting point for a movement that grew and grew. Now known as The Crossroads Art District, this area of Kansas City hosts First Fridays each month. Local businesses open their doors to hosts happy hours and art exhibits alongside the multitude of galleries. Street artists put up new displays upon the old brick buildings as people flood the streets for this beloved event.
Inspired by the thriving arts community, we set out to design Hotel Indigo Crossroads with the vibrant surroundings in mind. Creating a studio like shell, exposed concrete ceilings and brick walls are the backdrop to custom hand painted fabrics, both industrial and sculpturally inspired furniture, and large historic windows. Featuring curated original artwork and sculptures by local artisans, the historic property celebrates bold strokes of creativity. Nods to the Film industry can be found as a touch of Hollywood glamour with sparkling chandeliers and brass accents in the bar aptly named, Jim Leedy Bar + Kitchen.
The team worked with a stirring group of local artists throughout the design process. Famed artist and textile designer, Kelly Porter, has a studio nearby and played an integral role on the project. Her hand painted Japanese paper designs were printed on vinyl for the custom headboards in the guestrooms while another version was printed on vinyl as the feature behind the front desk. Her stunning colorful oil on canvas is the prized feature of the lobby – the first thing guests see as they enter the hotel and the initial inspiration for many of the colors, fabrics, carpets and art throughout the property.