Background
21c Museum Hotel was born out of a love of contemporary art; a desire to create
livable downtown spaces that prevent urban sprawl; a belief that art should be accessible,
interactive and without pretense; and the conviction that art drives commerce. The
first 21c Museum Hotel was developed in Louisville, Kentucky by Steve Wilson and
Laura Lee Brown, art collectors, philanthropists, farmers and investors. The hotel,
which opened its doors in April 2006, has received national acclaim for its dedication
to accessible luxury and dramatic contemporary art exhibits. The Louisville hotel
features a 5,000-square-foot art museum with a stunning collection of contemporary
art by living artists, top of the line amenities, a world-class spa and Proof on
Main, an innovative restaurant that has received rave reviews.
21c Austin will be the second 21c. However, instead of simply replicating 21c Museum
Hotel in Louisville, 21c Austin will use the core elements of the brand—a love of
contemporary art, Southern-style comforts, and modern technology—to create a place
that is entirely unique to Central Texas.
A luxury hotel, high-end condominiums, a world-class contemporary art museum, a
landmark restaurant, and artist lofts will comprise the 21c Austin project when
it opens in 2011. Project developers have been working closely with the City of
Austin and, contingent on city approvals, plan to break ground in early 2009. The
project was initially slated for Third and Brazos Street, however the move to a
larger site, on the southwest corner of Cesar Chavez and Red River, allowed the
ownership team to significantly expand their investment in Austin's future. Acting
as a catalyst for the redevelopment of Waller Creek, the new location allows the
project to be enhanced by a park space, a sculpture garden, signature spa, retail,
indoor/outdoor meeting space, and additional parking. Views of Lady Bird Lake and
downtown will be unparalleled.
The crown jewel of 21c Austin will be the art; some of the world's finest works
of contemporary art by emerging and internationally acclaimed living artists will
rotate throughout the hotel. Some of the displayed works will come from Wilson and
Brown's private collection. Other pieces will be new, acquired specifically for
21c Austin with the help of a curator. And still others will be borrowed works from
local collectors. Museum admission will be free and open to the public. Guests can
expect exhibits that are often interactive, many times featuring an element of whimsy
and always accessible to everyone from art aficionados to the casual passerby.
Most of 21c's luxury residences will feature balconies and sweeping panoramic views.
Residential units will range in design from open-space lofts to luxury condos. Twelve
of the units will be designated for artist lofts.
21c Austin's hotel rooms will offer a blend of cutting-edge technology and luxury,
including 42" flat-screen HDTVs, 500-thread-count sheets and original works
of art in each room. The hotel will feature a ballroom, outdoor sculpture garden,
meeting spaces and a caf é.
Guests and residents of 21c Austin will be able to enjoy a massage and other relaxing
treatments at the luxurious in-house spa. The spa will include an outdoor rooftop
pool, sunbathing deck and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
21c Austin will also house an innovative yet accessible restaurant that emphasizes
supporting local and sustainable agriculture. The menu will feature contemporary
American cuisine.