US: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced it will open Hotel Arras in Asheville, North Carolina, this summer.
A conversion of the former BB&T Bank building, Kimpton Hotel Arras will transform the tallest building in the city into a 128-room boutique hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Asheville at 7 Patton Avenue, it also includes 54 residences, and two independently-owned restaurants: Bargello, offering Mediterranean fine-dining, and the all-day restaurant and bar, District 42.
Developer John McKibbon of McKibbon Hospitality and Glenn W. Wilcox, Sr. of Asheville-based commercial real-estate company Tower Associates, Inc. joined forces to create “a top-of-the-line hotel that highlights culture, connection and community”.
“It’s an honour to have been trusted to transform this historic landmark into a modern destination,” said John McKibbon. “And to be able to do it under the unique Kimpton umbrella makes this project even more notable. As the pioneers of the US boutique hotel space, Kimpton’s been on our radar as a partner for quite some time. We’re thrilled to be joining their portfolio of best-in-class hotels.”
Kimpton’s chief executive officer Mike DeFrino said: “Welcoming Hotel Arras to the Kimpton family at a time of accelerated international growth for the brand as our first property in Asheville and our third in North Carolina is exciting in many ways. We’re thrilled to be partnering with McKibbon and know that guests will love the local feel of the hotel that’s come to be synonymous with our boutique offering.”
All guest rooms feature works by local artists, with pieces from Catherine Murphy, John Wayne Jackson and Naomi Rogers. Amenities include morning coffee and tea service, complimentary PUBLIC bikes, private Hotel Arras art tours, nightly social hour and mobile check-in. Wellness amenities include a massage room, yoga studio and state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Kimpton Hotel Arras is owned and will be managed by McKibbon Hospitality.
