OKLAHOMA CITY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Ellison Hotel is set to open in December as the anchor of The Triangle at Classen Curve in Northwest Oklahoma City. In a nod to Oklahoman’s creativity, the hotel will feature works of art from artists throughout Oklahoma, including a mural called “The Reader” with almost 3,000 books that span the lobby. The artist and construction team are slated to complete the work by the end of October.

The namesake—native Oklahoman and celebrated author and musician Ralph Ellison —represents Oklahoma’s broader story of offbeat creativity and determined character. The unique mural is crafted with similar inspiration, as a visual metaphor for how books and creative pursuits open doors.

The mural is being designed and installed by local artist Alaina Hunt, whose recent work ranges from creating wreaths from hundreds of crepe paper ginkgo leaves to silversmithing. In addition, a common theme of her works involves projects with many small pieces.

“Stories take us places. Every book gives us a small window into another world we can visit when we need to. Writers like Ralph Ellison not only gave me a window, he also gave me a mirror. ‘The Reader’ is a physical representation of the larger than life places we explore through literature. Using books as the ‘canvas’ for this image turns this mural into a sculpture in the same way words create worlds,” Hunt said. “I am so honored to be a creative partner with the Ellison hotel, installing artwork that I hope inspires and delights visitors during their stay.”

In addition to its focus on local art, the 75,000 square-foot hotel will house 120 guest rooms and feature a restaurant, 3752 square feet of meeting spaces and a rooftop swimming pool and bar. The hotel’s retro design is thoroughly crafted to reflect the era of its namesake. It will mark Marriott International’s first foray into Oklahoma under its Tribute Portfolio brand, which focuses on independent boutique hotels rooted in their local community.

“We want to provide elevated service and a wholly authentic Oklahoma experience for every guest that walks through our door,” Ryan Slater, Managing Partner said. “We are a modern frontier where we celebrate a wide range of well-known artists that call Oklahoma home, and the hotel will display and celebrate this artistry in our architecture, atmosphere and visual arts.”

Among the unique features of the hotel is the chef-driven restaurant offering contemporary Oklahoma cuisine.  A gift shop, Market E, will be a source for authentic Oklahoman goods and exclusive merchandise.

“The OKC community is hyper-inclusive, and we will encourage guests and visitors to take part in the city and the goings-on of everyday OKC,” Slater said. “This includes creating a hotspot for local food, art, and culture, and introducing visitors to a side of Oklahoma that is often unspoken and under-celebrated.”

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Hotel Info
The 75,000 square-foot hotel will house 120 guest rooms and feature a restaurant, 3752 square feet of meeting spaces and a rooftop swimming pool and bar. The hotel’s retro design is thoroughly crafted to reflect the era of its namesake. It will mark Marriott International’s first foray into Oklahoma under its Tribute Portfolio brand, which focuses on independent boutique hotels rooted in their local community.

Food & Beverage
The hotel’s food and beverage services are directed by Michael O’Hara, an Oklahoma City native with twenty years of experience in several of our city’s most well-known restaurants.

Milo features contemporary Oklahoman cuisine using local products. Inspired by milo sorghum — a heritage grain and key Oklahoma export — Milo celebrates and elevates Oklahoma’s local flavors and culture through food. Led by Head Chef Josh Valentine, Milo offers up an all-day, coffee-to-cocktails dining atmosphere.

Name and Tribute
Several years ago, the hotel creator Plains Management Group approached the Ralph Ellison Foundation with the concept of a tribute to Oklahoma and its creativity pursuing the name “Ellison”. By agreement with the Ralph and Fanny Ellison Trust of New York, the name “Ellison” was granted to exemplify this attribute of Oklahoma.

Contact: 
Carrie Parker
Director of Sales & Marketing
405.935.9111 | 405.924.4176
cparker@ellisonhotel.com