Blending Art & Illumination at 21c Kansas City with Hotel Lighting Designer Illuminationworks

Our 7th collaboration with Deborah Berke Partners & 21c is in Kansas City. The design team faced an unusual challenge: how to transform a beloved local landmark with a deeply layered history into a 21st century hospitality experience. Originally built in 1888 as the Savoy Hotel, the building was added onto over time and features an eclectic mix of Victorian and Arts and Crafts architectural details, as well as 20th-century historical markers.

Integrated lighting elements are employed throughout to highlight existing historical elements and show separation with new additions. This can be seen in the ballroom columns and dramatically demonstrated in the restaurant 'sail ceiling'. The latter is a colour-changing design that takes guests from pre-programmed pastels during daytime use to deep, saturated colour for late-night settings. 

The bar design is a sensitive refurbishment that pays homage to the past Savoy interior while incorporating discreet new lighting elements, such as the bar face & back bar. Original decorative lighting feature have been refurbished to include current lighting technologies while maintaining their period appearance.