Bauhaus-inspired interior design peels back layers to the past at Kimpton Santo, the new luxury hotel in San Antonio owned and operated by White Lodging. Complementing South Alamo Street’s reposition as an upscale destination, KTGY’s design carefully preserves a historic German-English school, pays homage to the German-American tradition of the ”Sunday House” and complements the adjacent La Villita Historic Village. This design celebrates the materials and textures of San Antonio’s cultural confluence by mixing German, Hispanic and modernist roots into a unique modern hospitality destination.
Architecture is repurposed and preserved in the historic suites, restaurants and bars that are adapted from the buildings and grounds of the 150-year-old school. Guests, visitors and locals all gather in the landscaped courtyard echoing the spirit of the German-American “Sunday House”, a community gathering place. Exposed rafters and brick walls peek through the clean, modern interior of the airy two-story restaurant. Strategic lighting highlights historic features and clean design exemplifies the new, modernist architecture.
The welcoming and permeable lobby invites guests into the open space that connects historic architecture and the modern 10-story tower. The lobby incorporates traditional materials in modern forms as it draws people from South Alamo Street into the experience. Historic guest suites, former school rooms, feature many of the original design elements and overlook a lush courtyard with century-old live-oak trees. The suite design selectively gives way to historic touches, permeated with finishes drawn from local craft. Guest rooms found in the tower reflect artisanal textiles and finishes, while making the new architectural shell a feature. The rooftop bar uses flickering lanterns that can be seen from the street and up-lit columns in terra cotta color.
KTGY’s interior design stands out in San Antonio hospitality by highlighting German American craftsmanship. The art program and finishes reflect the value of excellence and finally reflect the nearby La Villita Historic Village with Tejano-inspired pottery, tiles, colors, and woven textures.
Address: 431 South Alamo St. San Antonio, TX
Developer/Owner: White Lodging
Architect: HKS, inc.
Interiors: KTGY
Rooms: 347
Area: 276,211 gross square feet
Features: Lobby, Lounge, Restaurant, Guestrooms, Suites, Rooftop Bar, Meeting Spaces, Rooftop Pool Deck