Le Meridien Minneapolis Lifestyle Center
Minneapolis
Antunovich Associates / Yabu Pushelberg

Bold design and lush materials warm up Minneapolis

© David Joseph

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Beginning with the concept of a European-style hotel, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg designed this project's public spaces to be more intimate than those of the standard chain, with rooms that unfold as you discover the hotel. Here, thoughtful use of volume and space creates a timeless elegance. Yet the hotel's high-energy atmosphere, appealing to the business traveler and local denizen alike, cannot be denied. No longer experienced as part of the lobby, the bar and restaurant are seen and experienced as separate spaces.

The richness of materials range from exotic stone and padao wood from the Philippines to ordinary finishes used in an extraordinary way. Wood wall coverings, uniquely patterned stone floors, glamourous acrylic, and a bold use of color including blues, browns, deep red and burnt orange all offset the frigid Minneapolis climate. Light fixtures and uplighting that changes from day to night add to the warm glow.

The hotel's commissioned art represents a more architecturally integrated set of ideas, stemming from the design itself and not applied as an afterthought. Japanese artist Hirotoshi Sawada created an art piece made of recycled paper located behind the reception desk, while Dennis Lin's wood sculpture graces the lobby. European sculpture artist Piet Stockmans fashioned the ceramic figures in "Infinity," the nightclub/lounge on the main floor.

Lively, engaging and designed to stand the test of time, this new hotel follows neither the conventional hotel formula nor the trend for boutique hotels. Integrating design, artwork, and lush materials, Le Meridien presents an inviting take on luxury.

Formal name of Project:
Le Meridien Minneapolis Lifestyle Center

Location:
Minneapolis

Gross square footage:
25,080 sq. ft.

Owner:
James J Graves, Graves Hospitality

Architect:
Antunovich Associates
224 W Huron St # 7E
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-1126
(312) 274-3970
www.antunovich.com

Interior designer:
Yabu Pushelberg, Toronto/NY

55 Booth Avenue
Toronto Canada M4M 2M3
(416) 778-9779 x 248
(416) 778-9747 fax

4F - 138 Spring Street
New York USA 10012
(212) 226-0808
(212) 226-0666 fax