HBA modernises and illuminates Hilton Minneapolis lobby

Posted in Projects on 23 January, 2018

Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) recently completed the second phase of a $26.5 million renovation of Minnesota’s largest hotel, Hilton Minneapolis. This current phase, which began construction in November 2016, encompasses the hotel’s main floor lobby, its second and third floor meeting rooms, plus the creation of a new restaurant, Ten 01 Social. CNH Architects was the architect of record for the project.

The spaces have been completely transformed. Gone are the jewel tones, traditional design and dark woodwork. They’ve been replaced with a modern, urban design featuring vibrant contemporary original art and an open, inviting space designed to encourage socialising and interaction.

As guests enter the spacious, open lobby they’re greeted by a 360-degree central bar that seats as many as 40 people. The bar is surrounded by a combination of contemporary lounge seating and communal tables. Illuminate Lighting Consultants enhanced the space with accent lighting to create pockets of light over the intimate seating areas. Ornate chandeliers were replaced with clean, contemporary ones with improved colour temperature light sources. The light palette of the lobby is enhanced with rich walnut and dark chocolate wood finishes and colourful, rich textiles.

“We preserved the original high ceilings and large arching windows of the lobby while applying a fresh mix of finishes throughout the space,” said Nicole Smith, Associate at HBA. “Stone floors and columns are adorned with brass metal inlays, with black bronze and brass metal accenting the lighting fixtures and furniture.”

The registration desk has been relocated to be more visible as guests enter the hotel, and to make room for the new Ten 01 Market. A striking mixed-material mosaic of stone, wood and metal is the backdrop at the desk, along with a dramatic stone feature wall that encases the escalator to the second level meeting spaces. The feature wall is accented with lighting to not only create visual detail, but to provide way-finding guidance without the use of signage.

The meeting space and pre-function renovation areas on the second and third floors have been completely refreshed and modernised. The original architectural millwork has been updated with a lighter palette, new custom carpet designs and decorative modern lighting elements. Soft seating groups and nesting tables in the pre-function gathering area allow for cocktails and mingling at group functions. The spacious ballroom has been enhanced with sophisticated materials and elegant, contemporary chandeliers.

In addition, Canvas Art Consultants sourced more than 70 pieces of new and original abstract and contemporary artworks that adorn the newly renovated spaces. More than half of which are by Minnesota artists, creating a sense of place and connection to the community.