The new Kimpton hotel combines the building’s heritage with contemporary design features

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has opened an elegant new property in the historic Knights of Pythias Temple building, with help from Perkins+Will, Busta Studio and the Dallas Historical Society.

Making its debut on 12 August 2020, Kimpton’s latest effort gives new life to the historic Knights of Pythias Temple landmark. We take a closer look at the first hotel to open in Dallas’s lively Deep Ellum arts and entertainment neighbourhood.

A historic restoration

Kimpton Pittman Hotel’s opening follows the sensitive restoration of the Knights of Pythias Temple, a building designed in 1916 by prominent African-American architect and son-in-law of Booker T Washington, William S Pittman, for whom the hotel is now named, reviving its purpose as a hub for community, collaboration and celebration of the arts. As well as providing a place to stay, the hotel boasts a chef-driven restaurant, extensive event space and a forthcoming outdoor bar and pool deck.

For this ambitious undertaking, Kimpton recruited architectural firm Perkins+Will to work with the designers at Busta Studio and the Dallas Historical Society to restore and preserve the landmark while integrating a newbuild contemporary tower. Combining old and new, the scheme marries meticulously restored elements with modern aesthetics, with common areas integrating custom furnishings, original photos showcasing the building’s roots and curated artwork.

Inside the contemporary new hotel

The new hotel encompasses 165 contemporary, residential-style guest rooms, which range from the Deluxe King to Presidential Parlour, with the work of local artists complementing modern interiors featuring pops of dark green, orange and grey, beds with leather stitched headboards and bathrooms integrating stand-up showers or soaking tubs. Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness centre and outdoor pool and complimentary bicycle rental.

The modern American tavern alongside the lobby, Elm & Good, serves the no-fuss farmhouse fare of executive chef Graham Dodds and dishes are expertly paired with local beers, curated wines and craft cocktails by lead mixologist Gregory Huston. In addition to this, the hotel now has over 8,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, with multimedia-equipped rooms and onsite planning services to suit both small and large gatherings. In particular, the 4,200 sq ft restored Grand Ballroom stands out for its high ceilings and three walls of palladium windows.

As part of Kimpton’s Clean Promise, the hotel has opened with enhanced health and cleaning protocols, balancing the guest experience with the utmost regard for ensuring everyone remains safe throughout their stay.