Design, In the Know
by InspireDesign March 4, 2021

First Look: Element in Texas

Real estate development company 3D Development will soon be transforming 5.2 acres in Richardson, TX into a mixed-use project, which will include a $22-million Element by Westin. The hotel, which will be developed and managed by Midas Hospitality, is scheduled to open this summer.

The four-story hotel will offer 123 suites that include fully equipped kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. The Element concept encourages renewal through a nature-influenced environment and is constructed with an efficient use of space and sustainability in mind.  Highlights include a Motion Fitness Center, an all-natural saline pool and a Bikes to Borrow program for its guests.

“The Element experience highlights bright, modern designs that are inviting from the moment you enter our hotel’s expansive lobby area all the way to your extremely innovative room,” said Linda Eigelberger, VP of sales and revenue management at Midas Hospitality. “It’s a rejuvenating space for travelers who embrace a green, more outdoor-inspired environment while simultaneously enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.”

MW Builders, which has offices in Kansas and Texas, is the general contractor. This is the second Element hotel brand that Midas Hospitality is developing and managing, after opening a property in St. Louis in October 2020.

“We were very pleased that Midas Hospitality selected the Element Brand for their new hotel in Richardson,” said Tobias Heddinghaus, principal at Gray Design Group.  “The brand philosophy embodies lots of progressive ideas in sustainability and wellness that transcend hospitality design and are used by our Architects and Designers in all aspects of the built environment.”
The design team decided to make sure those sustainability and wellness ideas were on display. “For the site in Richardson we decided to place the L-shaped building along the western edge of the property so that the building created a large triangular outdoor living space against neighboring development.  This allowed us to control daylight in two ways as well, the four-story building provides shade to the outdoor patio area in the middle of the afternoon, and the two story north facing glass at the public lounge lets in even glare-free daylight at any time of day.”

The design of the building and systems includes energy-efficient water heating systems, water filtration to reduce bottle usage and 100% LED lighting. The interior spaces are finished with paint instead of wallpaper to reduce waste on future renovations.