Hmmmm.... This could be bad for Clarity... The two days a week I go into the office I walk down to Clarity to get a coffee but this is a lot closer..... Guess it all comes down to how many calories I want to burn for an Americano.

Only Mary Eddy's will open on Thursday.

The coffee place and bar and pool will come sometime later.

Hmmmm.... This could be bad for Clarity... The two days a week I go into the office I walk down to Clarity to get a coffee but this is a lot closer..... Guess it all comes down to how many calories I want to burn for an Americano.

I think they're far enough apart that they'll be okay.

this is great for the Hotel ... not having a pool never made much sense ..

I think they're far enough apart that they'll be okay.

I meant bad for them as far as me being a regular customer..... I love Clarity's coffee and their service, as well as several of them being bike riders so we always talk about rides we've been/are going on...... But some days I just don't always have the time, or the weather doesn't permit, the walk from my office but I've gone anyway.... Now I'll have an option across the street.

Press release:

**************

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/21c102721a.jpg


Mary Eddy’s at 21c Reopens a Fresh Take on Classic American Dining in the West Village
Reimagined restaurant captures the spirit of its namesake, Mary Eddy Jones, to create an inviting space for dining, drinking, and socializing.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 27, 2021) – Mary Eddy’s Dining Room at 21c Museum Hotel, which has been closed for renovation since July, will reopen for dinner service this Thursday, October 28 at 5:00 pm. Diners will find a completely reimagined restaurant inspired by its vibrant namesake, Mary Eddy Jones, and a new menu of elevated American classics by executive chef Jeff Patton. 21c partnered with Duro Hospitality, led by Oklahoma City natives Corbin and Ross See and Benji Homsey, to transform the space that formerly held Mary Eddy’s Kitchen X Lounge from a cavernous, industrial space into a warm, inviting place for dining, drinking, and socializing.

“The reimagined Mary Eddy's pays homage to an incredible force in our family, Mary Eddy Jones," said Hall Capital Chairman and CEO Fred J. Hall. “My grandmother's home was always a welcoming space filled with hospitality, comfort and delicious food, and that spirit is echoed in the new restaurant. We envision Mary Eddy’s as a meeting place, where people can go and experience unique elegance and comfort in the heart of downtown."

The design of the restaurant and lounge creates an immersive and nostalgic space that pays homage to the beaux art style of the building’s architect, Albert Kahn, and to the neoclassical home of Mary Eddy and Fred Jones, located just blocks away on 17th Street. Chandeliers throughout the lounge and dining room provide warm lighting, and large circular booths create a cocoon-like feeling while offering open views around the room. Shades of blue, green, and turquoise are highlighted in paint and textiles throughout, referencing her famous blue and green mosaic-tiled lily pond. The private dining room is a direct nod to Mary Eddy’s actual dining room with millwork and wallpaper in rich tones. The room can accommodate gatherings from two to 20 people and offers a special family-style menu. The space transports guests to a different era, while tracing the history of Jones family in OKC from Fred’s arrival in the early 1900s to the 1960s when the Jones family purchased the building.

“Our objective was to make a connection to the building and draw an obvious line to the restaurant’s namesake, Mary Eddy, and the Fred Jones family,” said Corbin See. “We really wanted to honor Mary Eddy’s talent for entertaining and hospitality. That meant creating an environment where you felt both at ease and special, but also a little bit at home. We take a residential approach to our hospitality design, so for that reason this was a perfect assignment for us. We set the stage with sexy lighting, soft furnishings, and luxe materials. There’s a definite mood. It’s a nod to the beaux arts architecture of the building, but also a contrast to its industrial use. It’s a restaurant for today’s audience, but we hope she and Fred would be proud.”

Patton’s menu is also inspired by Mary Eddy Jones, who loved to host her wide circle of friends in her home and surprise them with creative, beautifully plated dishes. He drew inspiration from the era in which Mary Eddy lived, building a menu of reimagined American classics like Steak Tartare. Patton’s version includes garlic aioli and house-made potato chips. Diners will also find classics including Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay seasoning and cocktail sauce with fresh horseradish and house-made hot sauce and French Onion Dip with hand cut potato chips. The rest of the menu offers plenty of variety with a small section of pastas, steaks, and a selection of sides like Smoked Mushrooms with celery root, sorrel, and pecan gremolata. Dishes built for sharing include the Whole Trout with roasted cauliflower, toasted almond, capers, and brown butter and a 12 oz Berkshire Pork Tomahawk.

“This new iteration of Mary Eddy’s celebrates the golden age of American dining,” said Patton. “I wanted to reintroduce classic dishes but add some elements of surprise and keep ingredients and flavors that speak to our region. There’s also an element of theater that speaks to a different era. For example, the saffron broth on the scallops dish is poured tableside and the presentation of the tomahawk steak is a showstopper.”

The new Mary Eddy’s experience also includes an extensive lounge area where guests can stop in to enjoy a drink or a full dinner. The beverage menu was conceptualized to harmonize with the food, from cocktails to wines. The cocktail list is anchored by a new take on the classic martini, with locally made gin and finished with a house-marinated olive. The wine list is filled with elegant wines that pair with the food rather than overwhelm it and made by a diverse group of winemakers.

“Our beverage team has put a lot of thought into all things drinkable,” said Kyle Kern, Food & Beverage Director at Mary Eddy’s Dining Room. “With wines that showcase grower-producers, imaginative cocktails that take on the classics with the perfect amount of whimsy, and beers all chosen from our local brewing neighbors, there is something for everyone to explore.”

Mary Eddy’s Dining Room will be open for dinner Wednesday – Thursday 5:00 – 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 5:00 – 11:00 pm. To join the conversation, connect at Facebook.com/MaryEddysOKC, and on Instagram @MaryEddysOKC. For more information, or for reservations and hours, visit www.MaryEddysOKC.com or call 405.982.6960.

21c OKC is celebrating the reopening of Mary Eddy’s with a special package that includes overnight accommodations, a $100 dining credit to Mary Eddy’s Dining Room, overnight valet, and a late check out of 1:00 p.m. To book, call the front desk at 405.982.6900 or book online.

Where are the links to the new menus?

Where are the links to the new menus?

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41941&p=1184980#post1184980

Work has started installing a small pool in the former outdoor bar area that was rarely used:

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Today (Thursday 7/21) is the opening of the new Pool Bar.

What they call the Bodega is already open between this area and Mary Eddy's. It's a coffee place with pastries.

The Pool Bar will eventually serve lunch and a small menu, but as of today, it will only offer drinks.

The Bodega is open early every day and the Pool Bar will open at 4PM and stay open until late.

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This looks killer. I may have missed it, but is this pool open to bar patrons or only hotel guests?

I noticed a lot of social media advertising for this place. It should be a hit! The patio that was here prior was essentially never used.

I am curious how they are planning to handle capacity [for the pool area], I would bet Fri-Sun afternoons to be pretty wild here early on.

This looks killer. I may have missed it, but is this pool open to bar patrons or only hotel guests?

Hotel guests for the first month, everyone after that.

Not only was that patio never used, but the back half of what was Mary Eddy's was also mostly vacant as well.

They spent a lot of money on moving the restaurant to the front of the space along May, and now have added Bodega in the middle and Pool Bar in the back part of the space along with the pool.

All of those spaces are gorgeous and done to a very high standard. 21c is such a showpiece for OKC and now more locals will be drawn in.

development in west downtown has been incredible. Look at that first pic, you wouldn't even know that was Oklahoma City until you saw the Police HQ in the upper right.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/poolbar072122g.jpg

^^^

If you know which window to zoom in on you might be able to see me in that pic.

Hotel guests for the first month, everyone after that.

Wow. This will be off the hook.

Walked over and got a coffee and a sandwich for lunch today at the Bodega.

The pastrami sandwich was pretty tasty and the coffee wasn't bad either..... Maybe just slightly high on the $$ for what it was but not so high that when I need a coffee and a quick meal in a pinch that it will keep me from walking over there and getting one..... Will probably frequent Clarity when I just need the coffee and no food still.

My only real complaint has nothing to do with 21C but with the two A$$****S that decided to speed up when they saw me in the crosswalk rather than yield to me like they are supposed to. Kind of surprised the flashing pedestrian lights like they have on Sheridan have never been installed on Main.

This has been a long time coming due to very slow bookings...

21c is pulling out of OKC and the hotel will be managed by a group out of Dallas called Axiom.

They are hoping to have similar art displays through loans from the Fred Jones museum at OU:

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/05/18/21c-museum-hotel-okc-downtown-new-operator-taking-over/70227016007/

According to the Oklahoman, they have hard time to get business traveler bookings. I think it is due to their affiliation with Accor instead of one of the big American 3.

Accor is big worldwide but very limited in the USA. I think business traveler favorize the same group over and over.

Plus the location a bit off downtown does not help.

I've heard it may get a Hyatt flag, which would be great.


Really sad about this, however. 21c and the related art collections were super cool and unique.

But the handwriting has been on the wall for a long time.

Was actually scheduled to meet with 21c next month to discuss doing a hotel block there for my wedding at the end of this year--reception is at Farmer's Public Market, so this seemed the most logical since they offered a shuttle to/from the venue for special events. Plus, as Pete said, it's a cool and unique place, and with 100+ of the guests on the invite list never having set foot in Oklahoma, would have been a cool place for visitors. Will be curious to see how the new management maintains or changes the place, although I am guessing I'll be hearing later today about canceling the meeting and rescheduling once the switchover officially happens. Would likely still be nice to end up having a hotel block at the new iteration.

That is a huge bummer. Even if they get a Hyatt flag, that still be a downgrade in my opinion. I stayed at the 21C one time and that was one of the coolest hotel experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve stayed at several different Hyatt some while they are nice, they are nearly as cool as the one we just lost.

Since 21c was purchased by Accor, you'd think they all we be rebranded. Or is it just the OKC one?

…Really sad about this, however. 21c and the related art collections were super cool and unique...
On one hand I agree, as the art curated by 21C has been a pretty excellent array of notable contemporary works.

But on the other hand the anticipated (and forehead-slappingly-obvious) connection to the FJJMOA is pretty tantalizing. Fred Jones Jr has the most impressive permanent collection in the metro, OKCMOA and Oklahoma Contemporary notwithstanding. They have a pretty significant collection of contemporary art in their own right, but they also have one of the best collections of the Santa Fe School outside of Santa Fe, a very impressive trove of indigenous art, and the largest and most valuable grouping of French Impressionism ever gifted to a public university (Weitzenhoffer Collection).

It’s easy to imagine rotating, themed displays from FJJMOA that might be far more impressive and varied than those of 21C, and that’s truly saying something. We’ll see how it turns out, but it’s legitimate to think that it might turn out to be an upgrade.

Yeah, on the surface this seems like a bummer but the truth is that place has been really struggling since it opened.

Whatever comes next is almost certain to draw more business and be more robust.

I've talked to 21c's development team under Accor and they won't build new 21c's that have less than 150-200 rooms anymore. The scale of hotels is important especially when you have additional costs like running art exhibits/security involved. The OKC hotel was just too small to operate at the scale it needed to, not that there was anything inherently wrong with the project or the OKC market. If there had been space to expand the hotel they might have done it.

I stayed there once, loved it, but wouldn't stay there again. Would rather stay somewhere that's a bit more connected into downtown this was still a bit too far walking wise to everything else. The parking was really annoying too. I paid to valet the first night and they parked my car on the street - if I'm paying that much I expected it to be in the parking garage across the street where there would be less risk of it being broken into/damaged in anyway. I'm not lazy enough that I couldn't self park if I had known that and did the rest of the time I was there. The room rates were also fairly uncompetitive - primarily due to scale of the hotel and it's kind of a self eating thing when that happens. They had to charge more to cover operations and maintain the level of stars they had plus hotel standards for the brand and thus made themselves much more expensive than competitive properties that frankly have a lot better locations (Colcord, etc.). If it had an extra 50 or more rooms you can decrease the rates more to market and spread your costs out more. I know it seems odd but that's the way it works. Scale in commercial real estate is very important and takes new brands a while to figure out what works and what doesn't.

Thanks for posting that good description of economy of scale, which affects all commercial real estate ventures. It is one of the calculations most often left out of conversations on this site, and certainly helps differentiate between posters here who have a business background vs those who do not.

I stayed once during one of our weather apocalypses. The room was already in dire need of maintenance and was too industrial, in my opinion.

The restaurant space is incredible but the new bar is fairly ho-hum.

Joie de Vivre is a boutique brand owned by Hyatt and would be a great fit for this property.

I think this property could also benefit from more recognizable exterior signage — perhaps something neon-inspired on the roof?

Thanks for posting that good description of economy of scale, which affects all commercial real estate ventures. It is one of the calculations most often left out of conversations on this site, and certainly helps differentiate between posters here who have a business background vs those who do not.

Scale may be a factor in the 21c business model but even in terms of hotels in the core, there are many successful operations that are about the same size or smaller and almost every other hotel in the area (as in hundreds) is close to the same size. The Colcord, Ambassador and Aloft all have fewer rooms.

Also tons of successful small-scale housing (every bit of the Midtown Renaissance stuff and countless more examples) and hundreds of small office buildings and shopping centers.

Economy of scale only applies to very specific situations and in fact, a minority of projects.

Scale may be a factor in the 21c business model but even in terms of hotels in the core, there are many successful operations that are about the same size or smaller and almost every other hotel in the area (as in hundreds) is close to the same size. The Colcord, Ambassador and Aloft all have fewer rooms.

Also tons of successful small-scale housing (every bit of the Midtown Renaissance stuff and countless more examples) and hundreds of small office buildings and shopping centers.

Economy of scale only applies to very specific situations and in fact, a minority of projects.

Economies of scale is applicable to EVERY commercial real estate project lol. That is the entire basis of an investment model to understand how to make the most return on an investment. So no, not a minority of projects - every project in every asset type of real estate.

I'll clarify that scale can mean different things in different sectors of commercial real estate too. Multifamily for example - best operating scale is usually either under 25-50 units or 175 - 300 units. Small properties can operate at scale because you can hire third party management who can source any R&M, turnover, etc. Once you get above 50 units you typically need to hire full time staff but the only way to distribute out that cost appropriately to make the most return on investment is to distribute out that cost amongst the most units without needing to hire more staff. Properties that have say 100 units tend to operate significantly less efficient - doesn't mean they can't be profitable but it also creates lots of challenges. Typically that means they might have to charge more rent per unit to cover operating costs and typical return rates than a property across the street that has 200 units and the same staff/operating costs.

Hotels are the same. A small hotel or Airbnb can operate pretty successfully at scale that way, if you're small enough you don't have much overhead but when you get to a certain number of rooms it requires on-site staff, etc. especially for 4+ star properties that require significant amounts of staff even during evening/nights. Same for very large hotels if they are built too big - reason why Omni needed subsidy is because in most markets that scale of hotel is not efficient to build that big and to operate, but it serves a need for a city to have such a facility. Aloft and 21c are no where comparable in economics of operations - the right scale for an Aloft is what they built and build around the country. Under 4 star hotels have a vastly different scale to operate successfully and 3 star hotels are typically much smaller in total room count than 4 star or higher for a reason. The reason Colcord is more successful is because it's location (and Devon also subsidies it for a long period of time which was not something 21c could compete against either).

You can make scale work at any level if there's enough demand and location is perfect, but if you have competitors in better locations and you are not at a proper scale for your business model you are going to fail much more easily. 21c needed to be built larger, however when it was originally built 21c was still somewhat of a newer brand and it's a learning curve to figure that out. Doesn't mean a hotel can't be successful in that location, just needs to be a different flag and operating partner. One that isn't as expensive to operate and thus be able to drop the room rates to be more competitive in the market space. It's pretty common to see the room rate for 21c be twice as much as Colcord, Skirvin, Ambassador and those are all in better locations and just as nice of quality rooms.

Economies of scale is applicable to EVERY commercial real estate project lol. That is the entire basis of an investment model to understand how to make the most return on an investment. So no, not a minority of projects - every project in every asset type of real estate.

What you are actually discussing is cost/benefit (i.e. return on investment) not economies of scale.

Sometimes too much scale has a negative impact on the bottom line.


Plus, this property was a renovation and thus constrained on the number of rooms. Thus, if that size model doesn't work for 21c then that was a bad investment on their part not some sort of lack of understanding of 'how things really work' on this site.


My point is that there are plenty of hotels (indeed most) that went through their development pro forma and decided on a scale that is smaller than 21c. Economy of scale by definition means that the bigger/more you build, the more incremental profit.

Profit is discussed in virtually every development thread.


Anyway, we are all saying the same things just in different words. I just get prickly when someone trots out the "this site" generalization because it's almost always unfair. I was mainly addressing Urbanized, not you UrabnistPoke.

To be fair, the hotels that are doing well that are smaller in downtown OKC are also a part of much larger flags. Colcord (Hilton), Ambassador (autograph by Marriott) and aLoft (Marriott). Not to mention the number of Hilton or Marriott hotels in the US versus 21C.

To be fair, the hotels that are doing well that are smaller in downtown OKC are also a part of much larger flags. Colcord (Hilton), Ambassador (autograph by Marriott) and aLoft (Marriott). Not to mention the number of Hilton or Marriott hotels in the US versus 21C.

Except for Aloft, neither of the others had a national flag when the first opened and they operated successfully for years without one.

So what will happen now is that the new operators will seek a flag that will bring to bear massive booking infrastructure and demand.

Would love for this to be a Hyatt Centric brand. However, those tend to have a lot of meeting space (at least the ones I've stayed at). So maybe not that, but anything except a Hyatt Place would be fine.

I'm guessing Mary Eddy's will still be around in some incarnation or other? I don't know enough behind the scenes to know how much they were affiliated with 21c....

What you are actually discussing is cost/benefit (i.e. return on investment) not economies of scale.

Sometimes too much scale has a negative impact on the bottom line.


Plus, this property was a renovation and thus constrained on the number of rooms. Thus, if that size model doesn't work for 21c then that was a bad investment on their part not some sort of lack of understanding of 'how things really work' on this site.


My point is that there are plenty of hotels (indeed most) that went through their development pro forma and decided on a scale that is smaller than 21c. Economy of scale by definition means that the bigger/more you build, the more incremental profit.

Profit is discussed in virtually every development thread.


Anyway, we are all saying the same things just in different words. I just get prickly when someone trots out the "this site" generalization because it's almost always unfair. I was mainly addressing Urbanized, not you UrabnizedPoke.

I mean call it whatever you want but it's all the same underlying issue of making the most money you can and return enough capital to investors that they stay happy.

Yes, they were constricted to the building footprint and I fully believe when they built the project they felt like the number of rooms, etc. made sense. Turns out that years later that wasn't the case and is why the 21c brand has pivoted to a certain room size count on any new projects. It happens, doesn't mean anything overall negative about Oklahoma City or that particular spot. It will work and operate just fine under another brand that has less overhead to operate and likely being connected to one of the bigger US brands will help too. For business travel that location is just a few blocks too far west from the main office towers downtown especially compared to Colcord and others. This site needs a flag more geared toward leisure, etc.

If the apartments hadn't been built around it, they could have expanded the hotel with additional rooms but that wasn't a reality they could do once they figured out the property was just not big enough for them to operate that brand efficiently. Instead they increased the asking rates per night to try to cover those costs and ended up pricing themselves out of the market - you can't survive as a hotel in a less ideal location than your competitors and try charging 2x the nightly rate they do - you will fail at that business model.

^

Really do appreciate your insight.

Interestingly, they could have easily added more rooms even within the constraints of that property because ADG leases a good chunk at the west end (and they could have built above that as well) and they could have expanded to where the pool is now because they've never really had a good use for that space. Also, the apartments came as part of the same ownership and development and that could have been reworked, so I'm sure you're right that didn't adequately plan in the initial development.

I will say again that this will likely prove to be a blessing in disguise.

21c was a failure as a business. They were never busy, they had to completely reconfigure the restaurant space because it didn't work (far too much space for the previous setup) and generally failed to reach its potential. It was super cool to walk through the exhibits but the lack of business at the hotel was depressing.

A national flag that keeps that place booked will have a very positive impact on that area and lead to more businesses and development.

Interesting that business travel was what the ownership was going for. Seems to be an odd fit for that.

^

Really do appreciate your insight.

Interestingly, they could have easily added more rooms even within the constraints of that property because ADG leases a good chunk at the west end (and they could have built above that as well) and they could have expanded to where the pool is now because they've never really had a good use for that space. Also, the apartments came as part of the same ownership and development and that could have been reworked, so I'm sure you're right that didn't adequately plan in the initial development.

Sure thing - I don't remember how many years ago they opened but I believe they used historic tax credits on the hotel portion/ADG's space too. So they likely couldn't have expanded without causing issues with the tax credits. I think I remember seeing they used New Market Tax Credits too. The recapture period is likely expired on all of that now but likely too far down the road for them to look at doing something like expanding the hotel footprint, etc. At some point you just have to throw in the towel and let someone else do something different with the property. It'll be better served long-term to have a different brand in there like you've said as well.

^

I thought the issue is that you had to maintain the historic structure but could build an extension as long as was distinct, ala the way the Colord was expanded.

At any rate, I don't think they understood the need to have more rooms with this opened and I'm not even sure that would have made a difference anyway.

I'm very grateful to them for taking a chance on what was no-man's-land at the time. Sometimes it's better to be the 2nd business in a space.

^

I thought the issue is that you had to maintain the historic structure but could build an extension as long as was distinct, ala the way the Colord was expanded.

At any rate, I don't think they understood the need to have more rooms with this opened and I'm not even sure that would have made a difference anyway.

I'm very grateful to them for taking a chance on what was no-man's-land at the time. Sometimes it's better to be the 2nd business in a space.

The developer still made plenty of money off of it all.

Historic tax credit wise it really depends. Many times you can't add anything that touches the exterior or even blocks the view of the exterior - it all depends on who you're talking to at the state and their 'interpretation/judgement' of what you can and can't do to any specific site. The likely reason that alley way between the historic building and new apartments is as big as it is, is likely because they were required to have so many feet as a buffier and 'view' cone of the historic building. Also likely why the parking garage to the south doesn't have a direct connection to the building either. The historic people can be really frustrating to deal with and a lot of it is left up to their own judgement and what they apply to one site isn't always the same to another.

I'm working on a project now that they have told us we can't put any infill/new construction on the site because it would block the view of the property from a nearby highway - mind you a highway that didn't exist when the building was built and didn't for decades. None of it usually makes any common sense to be honest when you're dealing with historic tax credit work. They are very, very picky about what can and can not touch the exteriors of buildings especially if you're doing new construction next to it or in combination to a historic building. They can and will came after the developer if down the road you alter anything, they can make you repay all of the credits. I think it's a 5 or 10 year restriction period, but after that you can do whatever you want.

I like to do stay cations every now and then and this always slipped through the cracks. I'm primarily a Marriott customer, but will always look at Hilton and Hyatt properties. I think having a flag with any of those three would be very beneficial. Perhaps autograph collection from Marriott

I like to do stay cations every now and then and this always slipped through the cracks. I'm primarily a Marriott customer, but will always look at Hilton and Hyatt properties. I think having a flag with any of those three would be very beneficial. Perhaps autograph collection from Marriott

Isn't the Ambassador already an Autograph Collection? Doubt we'd get a 2nd one of those flags.

While I'm a Hilton guy, having a nicer Hyatt in OKC would be good for business travel and Hyatt loyalists. We don't have any of their nicer flags...

Isn't the Ambassador already an Autograph Collection? Doubt we'd get a 2nd one of those flags.

While I'm a Hilton guy, having a nicer Hyatt in OKC would be good for business travel and Hyatt loyalists. We don't have any of their nicer flags...

The Ambassador, The National, and I'm pretty sure the Ellison are all autograph collection.

The Ambassador, The National, and I'm pretty sure the Ellison are all autograph collection.

The Ellison is a Tribute portfolio hotel, but the other two are Autograph.

Interesting that business travel was what the ownership was going for. Seems to be an odd fit for that.

Being downtown, you'd think that's the primary target market for every hotel down there.

Being downtown, you'd think that's the primary target market for every hotel down there.

I know you're not trying to be argumentative, but the property is a leisure property that will cater to leisure travelers looking for a different experience. That's not to say biz travelers wouldn't use it. I would but I'm a weirdo.

The Ellison is a Tribute portfolio hotel, but the other two are Autograph.

Good catch y'all. Point stands corrected, adding a 3rd Autograph collection downtown would be pretty crazy.

ya, this property isn't in or near the CBD so it's a little bit of a stretch to expect business traffic. They 'could' solve this with a limosine shuttle or if the streetcar gets extended.

ya, this property isn't in or near the CBD so it's a little bit of a stretch to expect business traffic. They 'could' solve this with a limosine shuttle or if the streetcar gets extended.

I guess only in OKC is a few blocks from the very center considered not in or near.

Was the problem that the hotel was too far away, or that the City didn't develop west as fast as the 21C leadership thought it would?

@Rover: Yes very much so, just like in Seattle the south lake union is not near the cbd (taxi or transit is needed/exists connecting the two).

West Village appears to be disconnected from the CBD or business people aren't going to walk the few blocks. Otherwise, YOU explain why 21C didn't get business clients.

Was the problem that the hotel was too far away, or that the City didn't develop west as fast as the 21C leadership thought it would?

Probably neither, bro.

@Rover: Yes very much so, just like in Seattle the south lake union is not near the cbd (taxi or transit is needed/exists connecting the two).

West Village appears to be disconnected from the CBD or business people aren't going to walk the few blocks. Otherwise, YOU explain why 21C didn't get business clients.
21C doesn’t really cater to business travelers. Hyatt’s reservation system will smoke them.

Four 4 days last October, the 21CMuseum Hotel hosted the 79th Annual Plains Anthropological Society conference. I met people from the British Museum that flew in just for the conference along with others from all over the country. They did an excellent job hosting. My only complaint was some of the conference rooms used for lectures were a little small. Also heard a few complain about a lack of restaurants. I can see that when 300 to 400 are turned out at the same time for lunch.

My understanding is that this hotel is set to become part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt:

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/unbound-collection


The closest is The Driskill in Austin and Hotel Kansas City. I'm familiar with the Mar Monte in Santa Barbara, which is one of the nicest hotels anywhere.

The Hyatt affiliation and booking power should go a long way toward the hotel finally realizing its potential.

I believe a big part of the problem with the 21c is they charged Hall Capital (the property owner) exorbitantly high fees which made the entire business model somewhat unworkable. As has been discussed, the hotel occupancy rate has been chronically low.

I know that the Utah Jazz were staying there when Covid struck the NBA.

Honestly joining the Hyatt reservation system will be just the tonic this beautiful place needs. It’ll probably fill up right away, despite its challenges. And by challenges I mean some square footage efficiency issues, and being located a bit off the beaten path (although clearly, the area is experiencing a dramatic improvement and reinvention). It also helps that the owners are patient money. They’re very strategic, and are simply never going to do anything out of panic.