Kimpton Harper Hotel in Fort Worth opens with acclaimed Chicago chef
April 27,2021
See full CultureMap article by Teresa Gubbins here.
A highly anticipated hotel in downtown Fort Worth has an opening date: The Kimpton Harper Hotel will open its doors on June 2 in the former XTO Energy building at 714 Main St., steps away from the renowned Sundance Square Plaza with shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and bars.
The hotel has 226 guest rooms and suites with luxurious Frette bedding, Atelier Bloem bath amenities, Bluetooth speaker systems, and plush bathrobes. That includes 31 one-bedroom suites which also come with soaking tubs, wet bars, and gorgeous views of downtown Fort Worth and surrounding plains.
Memphis-based Development Services Group, Inc. acquired the landmark XTO Energy office building, which was originally built in 1921 as the headquarters for Farmer's and Mechanics Bank. Their renovation coincides with the building's 100th anniversary.
Food & drink
The showpiece restaurant is Il Modo, a contemporary Italian concept featuring house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, a thoughtful wine list, and cocktails built around Italian classics. Il Modo is located on the ground floor, accessible for hotel guests and locals, with a view of its pasta-making room. They'll also host private dining and pasta-making classes.
The chef is Matt Williams, a Chicago native whose culinary career includes working for Brendan Sodikoff's Hogsalt Hospitality group in Chicago, as well as Barococina Chicago, a modern Mexican restaurant; Bar Siena, a rustic Italian restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop Neighborhood; and Mino's Italian. He sounds perfect.
Refinery 714 is The Harper Hotel's penthouse whiskey bar and cocktail lounge located on the 24th floor, adjacent to the living room lobby and check-in area. The menu includes whiskey, classic cocktails, beer, wine, and a menu of elevated bar bites. A private dining room flanked by two floor-to-ceiling glass doors is available for a more intimate setting.
The hotel will also offers complimentary coffee and tea, plus a daily social hour from 5-6 pm in the living room lobby, next to check-in on the 24th floor.
Decor
Decor by designer Cynthia Forchielli includes handcrafted furniture, brass pendant lights, woven baskets, local art, and nods to Fort Worth history, such as a panther figurine, referencing the "Panther City" nickname, that greets you when you open the room closet.
The hotel is managed by Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group.
Location Mentioned: Sundance Square Plaza