Art Curator Matt Jensen found new and emerging artists to populate the hotel’s corridor arts program.
The James New York, anchoring the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, opened September 1, 2010 with 114 guestrooms and suites bathed in natural light and unobstructed views of Manhattan .
In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York will feature a mix of local and international artists, both prominent and up-and-coming. This program is reflective of the brand’s commitment to the arts and is an extension of its sister property’s extensive cultural partnerships in Chicago .
“The stylish and culturally rich neighborhood of Soho is the ideal home for The James New York, providing a perfect backdrop for the brand’s artful blend of exquisite hand-crafted design, seamlessly intuitive service and personalized comfort,” said Brooke Barrett, Co-CEO of The James brand.
“Our strategy was to identify a hospitality group with new ideas and fresh thinking” said Shai Shamir, Managing Director of Brack Capital Real Estate, (BCRE) owner and developer of The James New York. “The James brand embodies the modern version of a luxury hotel with a strong focus on design and service, making it the perfect addition to the Soho hotel landscape.”
Environmentally thoughtful details can be found throughout the property, including reclaimed wood and rugs made from all-natural fibers, all of which are complemented by an overall color scheme inspired by nature, in a palette of warm tones. No detail has been overlooked. Mindfully planned features in each guestroom include easily accessible electrical outlets, high ceilings, windows that open outward (a rarity among New York City hotels) and reading lights embedded in the headboards. The spacious guest bathrooms complete with huge standing showers and under floor heating, are separated from the living area by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and a remote-controlled screen for privacy. The screen, commissioned by Dutch artist Nienke Sybrandy, blends art and function and provides an additional piece of moveable, nature-inspired artwork to the décor.
In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York features a carefully curated art collection selected by The James New York Art Curator Matt Jensen who utilized the database of Soho based non-profit artist collective, Artists Space to find new and emerging artists to populate the hotel’s corridor arts program. Every detail of the hotel has been meticulously thought out from room numbers – whimsically designed by John Paul Philippe – to the one-of-a-kind textiles and light fixtures hand selected by furniture curator Cristina Grajales , whose years of respected residential expertise brought her work with architecture buff Brad Pitt and designer Helmut Lang.
www.jensen-projects.com/
www.jameshotels.com
The Hotel as Art Gallery [New York Times]
