The ladies lounge at The Statler in downtown Dallas is a hidden gem within the multi-use building and a destination in itself. The concept for the architecture and interior design by Merriman Anderson Architects was to respect the Mid Century aesthetic of the original building but to not be overly retro. The Statler is a historic building that has been renovated and now a 159-room Hilton Curio Collection hotel.
The ladies lounge at The Statler is outside of the ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,200 people. The ballroom is an iconic space boasting retro-forward, mid-20th century design. Jackson 5, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope, Styx, Cher, Burl Ives and many more graced the original Statler stage upon opening.
“The design of the lounge was based around vintage glamour…We sought to build a 1950s inspired space that is modernized yet still authentic to the design inspiration,” said Gale Nall, associate principal/director, interior design, Merriman Anderson Architects. “For The Statler, we sought inspiration from the building itself as well as the rich history of the building and brand.”
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.
“The ladies lounge sits on the Mezzanine of the hotel adjacent to the ballroom so the initial expectation in the design narrative was our guest would be an event goer, well-appointed and glamourous,” Nall noted. “We also wanted to appeal to a broader audience with this hidden gem, a place where anyone downtown would go out of their way to get to when in need of the facilities.”
The Statler features a 14,000 sq.-ft. ballroom with 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, six restaurant venues, a fourth-floor roof pool deck, a 19th-floor rooftop pool deck and 219 luxury rental apartments. The hotel opened in 1956 as a 1,001-room hotel, convention center and gathering place for the who’s who of the time.
“The design of The Statler—built in 1956—was inspired from the historic building’s mid-century era and is elevated by modern design,” Nall said. “It presents visitors with a look into the character of the existing space providing for a uniquely iconic encounter both reflective of the past and present. The design aims to create an unforgettable guest experience. All of these elements are incorporated within the design of the ladies lounge.”
Tony Bennett performed in the Grand Ballroom at the reopening of The Statler. The ladies lounge incorporates the elegance and glamour that is experienced within the ballroom.
“The design of the ladies lounge is inviting and comfortable…The space is similar to a dressing or living room with couches and chairs that invite guests to take a break and relax,” Nall said. “[The story] is one of glamour, the Statler history and one just for the ladies.”
