The Statler
Merriman Anderson/Architects and Centurion American Development reimagined and redesigned The Statler to include a variety of restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a Curio Hilton Hotel in the historic building in Downtown Dallas.
The Statler opened in 1956 as a 1001-room hotel, convention center and gathering place for the “Who’s Who” to lodge when visiting Downtown Dallas. The Statler was an integral part of the Dallas culture and hosted notable guests including the Jackson Five and Tina Turner. The building, along with the Old Dallas Central Library, occupy an entire city block and are considered one of the best examples of mid-century architecture in the region. The hotel had its last occupancy in 2001 and was listed on the National Park Service “Top Ten Most Endangered Building” list in the country.
After many failed redevelopment attempts, The Statler was acquired by Centurion American Development in 2015 and has been renovated and reimagined as a truly multi-purpose adaptive historic re-use project. The Statler now features a 159-room Curio Hilton Hotel and 219 luxury rental apartments. Building amenities include a 14,000 square-foot ballroom, 7,000 square-feet of meeting space, six food and beverage venues, two rooftop pool decks, ground floor lease space, and a 250-space interior parking garage.
Merriman Anderson/Architects and the Owner worked with the National Park Service and the Texas Historical Commission to preserve and restore the character defining features of the historic building. A modern mid-century design was incorporated. Restaurant venues include Scout, a “social space” with bowling lanes, pool tables, foosball, ping-pong tables, a stage for live entertainment, and a shareable menu designed by chef Graham Dodds.
Waterproof, the pool deck bar and lounge features sweeping views of downtown framed by the 10; high Statler signage and a polished chrome statue of Llinda Lee Llama by local artist Brad Oldham. The story of Linda Llee dates to the opening of the hotel in the 50’s when Neiman Marcus booked a suite in which the llama resided for two weeks.
Overeasy serves an all-day menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch items in a retro-inspired diner with a gourmet coffee bar. Bourbon & Banter is a swanky underground lounge that was once the on-premise beauty salon for the historic Statler Hotel. It now is stocked with hundreds of bourbons.
The project has energized and reactivated a derelict portion of downtown and serve a connection between the Central Business District, Arts District, Farmers Market and Deep Ellum.
Design: Merriman Anderson/Architects
Photography: Lisa Petrole Photography
