Aparium Hotel Group has announced that Surety Hotel is set to open in the downtown district of Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, November 11th. The 137-key concept will occupy a transformed Beaux-Arts structure that was the state’s tallest building upon completion in 1913. Locally based Slingshot Architecture is partnering with DLR Group on the project, which will refresh the classical opulence of the original design. “In honoring the architecture while also making what is new feel appropriate to the old, we have brought the space back to life and returned it to its former glory,” says Slingshot principal David Voss.
To pay homage to the city’s banking history, Surety Hotel’s interiors will showcase marble, hand-applied artisan plaster, hardwood millwork, rich leather, and metals reminiscent of coins. The bank space, including its original vault doors, has being preserved on the main level. The large open lobby will serve as the hotel’s living room beneath vaulted coffered ceilings and ground-glass skylights, while Mulberry Street Tavern will serve as the property’s main F&B venue. With worldly takes on the traditional tavern aesthetic, the concept will be anchored by an open kitchen and zinc bar that complements its vibrant ambiance. Rich wood, red leather booths, and a warm lighting design will evoke coziness and comfort, while hand-finished wood and a glass back bar provide additional focal points. An alfresco setting is also set to open in 2021.
Large windows will flood guestrooms with abundant natural light to capture the Old World refinement of maple floors, green and burgundy leather furnishings, heathered tweeds, and accents of copper, zinc, and black. Applied by hand, suede plaster walls in a cognac brown tone will evoke simple sophistication, while bathrooms lined with marble hexagon floor tiles will echo the original design of the building.
