In 1920’s Omaha, the breathtaking Blackstone Hotel was the place to experience all the elegance, the pomp, and the lavish celebrity that glamorous decade had to offer. Today, this iconic building stands at the heart of the historic Blackstone District, and after a significant restoration, it has a new name too – the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. We’re excited to see this grand dame of Omaha history welcome guests inside once again, and we’re proud that we – and our plants – could be a part of this monumental project.
A Legendary Beauty
Built in 1916, the magnificent Blackstone Hotel is one of Omaha’s architectural jewels. Flappers and actors, senators and future presidents, athletes, and other famous dignitaries have dined, celebrated, and slept there from the Roaring 20’s until well into the 1970’s when the hotel closed. Legend has it that both the Reuben sandwich and butter brickle ice cream first made their debut under its roof too. In the 1980’s the building was converted into office spaces, and in 1985, the building was placed on the Register of Historic Places.
Recently, the beautiful building has undergone a refreshing return to its purpose as a premier place to dine and spend the night in timeless, elegant comfort. The project led by Clarity Development and Green Slate Development in partnership with architects from Leo A. Daly and DLR Group has lovingly returned this grand hotel to its former grandeur – with a contemporary twist.
Period tile replaces carpeting on the floors. Gorgeous woodwork and a fireplace inspired by the original design. And the new name celebrates the legendary Cottonwood Room bar. True to its local roots, the hotel also features the work of several local artists – a collection curated by Omaha’s Watie White.
A Collection of Iconic Plants
It’s an honor for us to be part of the renewal of such an important piece of Omaha’s history – bringing together a beautiful collection of iconic houseplants to complete the space. And it’s been an exciting project – carefully selecting, placing, and beginning our care for each plant. If you ask Head of Horticulture Ann Wickenhauser about the hotel’s transformation, you’re sure to hear the word “glorious” repeatedly in her response. Ann says, when you step inside the Cottonwood Hotel, “it’s like walking back into the mid-1900’s.”
More than anything else, Ann loves the treasures to discover around the entire first floor. Among the enchanting restorations and updates, the first floor is where you’ll find most of our plant installations – selected to support the early-century personality of the building’s interior. Favorite “old-fashioned” plants including palms, fiddle leaf figs, dracaenas, and sansevierias live throughout the historic rooms and hallways – and in the top-floor Presidential Suite too.
Maybe best of all is the long hall that connects the hotel to the newly added West Wing. This well-lit space, restored to its classic glory, is loaded with plants along each side.
New Life for an Omaha Legend
We’re grateful to be a part of this exciting project. And we hope you get the chance to visit the new Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel to experience the history and beauty of this iconic Omaha destination. We think you’ll agree that it’s glorious too.
Photos by Jesse Duering of @ethe_d
