The Joule, Dallas Begins Year-Long Refurbishment

Housed in the landmark, 1920s neo-gothic bank building, the striking Main Street address will see a $78 million renovation and expansion over the year ahead that will grow the hotel to nearly an entire city block. Among many highlights is the addition of 31 guest rooms, suites and penthouses, a new spa, a second Charlie Palmer concept and expanded event spaces.

The Joule renovation and expansion project combines the talents of top hospitality designers, architects and seasoned consultants led by renowned interior designer Adam D. Tihany, whose vision of contemporary design in a historic setting refinished for the modern and savvy traveler will remain intact. From its opening in 2008, The Joule has been a beacon of energy in Downtown Dallas, enticing locals and travelers alike with a sophistication that runs through art-filled public spaces and guest rooms to its cantilevered rooftop pool.

The renovation of The Joule is scheduled for completion by Fall 2012. The hotel will remain open throughout construction with little to no effect on guests and event clientele.

QUITE AN ENTRANCE

The renovation and design work inside the hotel will add 2,500 square feet to The Joule's lobby. The result will be a visually striking and inviting space for guests and the Downtown crowd. Anticipate an all-hours vibe somewhere between the allure of a library coffee bar and the mystique of a classic cocktail lounge.

THE JOULE COLLECTION

Like all public spaces throughout The Joule, the lobby will continue to house pieces from the hotel's curated art collection, which features works from artists like Andy Warhol, Barry Flanagan, Wayne Gonzales, Richard Philips and Adam Fuss. The hotel's art curator, John Runyon, is procuring new artists to feature in the new spaces– to be announced soon.

The Joule's art collection will also grow with the addition of historic mosaics from the original Mercantile National Bank Building. The mosaics, an important piece of Dallas history, were slated to be destroyed during that building's renovation, but were rescued by Joule-owner Tim Headington. Originally commissioned during the art deco period by former Dallas Mayor R.L. Thornton, the handmade mosaics were shipped from Venice and installed in the Mercantile National Bank Building. The mosaics, which depict the basic elements of nature– earth, wind, fire and water–range in size from only a few feet high to more than 20 feet. The works, restored by conservation specialist Michael van Enter, will be installed in The Joule's new VIP Corridor and ballroom pre-function space.

"BIG D" GETS BIGGER WITH THREE-STORY GUEST PENTHOUSES AND MORE

The renovation will add 31 new guest rooms to The Joule, including 21 rooms, eight suites, one single-story penthouse and two three-story penthouses. There will be a total of 160 accommodations, each designed by Adam D. Tihany with striking photographic artwork by his son Bram Tihany and stylish contemporary furnishings and technologies to suit sophisticated travelers. Furthermore, The Joule will take things over the top with the addition of 10,000 square feet of function space, new ballrooms and meeting and pre-function spaces, as well as a 4,000 square-foot rooftop terrace and garden that can accommodate 500 people.

AN UNDERGROUND ADULT PLAYGROUND

The Joule's existing subterranean PM Lounge will be completely restyled and converted into an "adult playground" featuring a 600-square foot screening room with seating for 25 and a 1,350-square foot recording studio. The space will also include a bar-lounge finished with custom furnishings and digital elements including karaoke capabilities and other interactive digital features.

NEW URBAN SPA

The Joule will redefine the urban spa concept with the addition of an 8,000 square-foot subterranean spa featuring rich woods, luxuriously upholstered walls and sumptuous seating. The spa, functionally designed by ESPA and displaying the unmistakable Tihany Design aesthetic, will delight hotel guests and walk-in clients alike with six deluxe treatment rooms as well as an ice fountain, steam room, sauna, geothermal pool and "experience showers" for soothing therapies. Founded by Susan Harsworth, spa expert of international repute, ESPA is the world's leading total spa company boasting award-winning spas at such properties as the Corinthia Hotel in London, the One & Only Palmilla in Mexico and Hong Kong's Ritz-Carlton, among an elite list of others.

CHARLIE PALMER'S EMPIRE EXPANDS

Having already dazzled Dallas with modern American cuisine at Charlie Palmer at The Joule, the world-renowned chef is expanding his downtown horizons with a new specialty food hall focused on freshly prepared gourmet foods. The space will feature epicurean stations serving delectables including certified Neapolitan pizzas, fresh-off-the-grill plates and handmade breads and pastries.

Rates from $359. For more information or to make reservations at The Joule, Dallas, please contact 800.325.3589 or visit www.thejouledallas.com.

Hotel Profile: The Joule