Magic happens at The Hotel Icon - Houston Chronicle
The Hotel Icon, a downtown landmark, had a wow factor Monday night when NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson hosted a 200-person "housewarming" cocktail hour.
Canyon Johnson Urban Funds of Beverly Hills partnered with Centurion on the purchase of the hotel in January. Johnson stopped by his latest Houston acquisition - his fund also owns Marq*E Entertainment Center as well as four Starbucks - to launch the hotel's complete redo, which is slated to be complete by summer 2012.
Johnson chose a Houston-based investment because "Houstonians love to do business and it's easy to get things done here due to the city's great leadership."
He also added that "lots of athletes retire in Houston for the lifestyle, which has in turn made Houston a happening place."
Interior design firm Design Duncan Miller Ullmann, with offices in Dallas and Hong Kong, has been hired for its expertise in historical hotel redos. Their past projects include the Driskill Hotel and the Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental as well as Houston's Hotel ZaZa.
According to Kimberly Miller, the new Icon will reflect "urban Texas meets high style, with a twist."
Looking to create an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere, Miller's firm will integrate the bar and restaurant into a single venue. Picture mid-century modern furniture meets a color scheme of bronzes, clays and metallic accents while maintaining the hotel's original John Staub architectural elements.
18 Oct, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHd0sByFv6Dnuq88jF5hEOQG0Vr6w&url=http://www.chron.com/life/article/Magic-happens-at-The-Hotel-Icon-2223556.php
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