CHARLOTTE, N.C.
The MRK Hotel Collection announced the grand opening of The Ivey's Hotel in Uptown Charlotte. The newly rebranded MRK Hotel Collection is a group of luxury, boutique hotels, each featuring their own unique character and design.
The Ivey's Hotel features 42 guest rooms, a cocktail lounge, private meeting and event space and a Library Lounge exclusive to guests of the hotel.
Originally a department store that debuted in the early 1900s by J.B. Ivey, the multimillion-dollar project revitalized the historic space. MRK recognized the need for the ultimate boutique experience that the Uptown Charlotte market was truly missing.
"It is rewarding to revitalize the character of these historic buildings. There is a certain warmth that cannot be replicated." said Brett Krueger, principal and vice president of MRK. "Inspired by the sophistication of the Ivey's Department store, we added our own Art Deco and European flair to create a modern, boutique experience."
Positioned across the street from the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Bank of America Headquarters, the property is just steps from all the city's top destinations and restaurants. The hotel encompasses roughly 38,000 square feet of the historic Ivey's building. All guest rooms are located on the second floor with the remaining space dedicated to residences and retail.
The guest rooms feature 400-year-old reclaimed French oak floors, exposed brick, custom-designed lighting fixtures and bespoke furnishings by Nick Alain, Frette Italian bedding, alongside a curated art collection on view throughout the hotel. Featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, Sony 4K Televisions, Bose Sound systems, iHome docking stations and innovative Lutron Lighting Technology, the hotel also kept the business traveler in mind when designing the hotel. All rooms are decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques and modern European-inspired details. No two guest rooms are alike, so all guests are stimulated anew each time they stay. The goal was to create an experience that all guests would remember and tell their story about the Ivey's.
"Companies jump into markets and try to blend in. I don't understand that — why would you want to blend in?" asked Krueger.
The Library Lounge offers private space for guests and serves continental breakfast and wine and cheese receptions. The hotel also features the Tulip Room, a 1,000-square-foot meeting space perfect for business meetings or special events.
In addition to the five-star accommodations, the Ivey's building and hotel is home to two innovative food and beverage concepts: Sophia's Lounge and 5Church Charlotte.
Sophia's Lounge is named for the wife of King George III, Sophia Charlotte, a patroness of the arts and a lover of botany. The lounge offers crafted cocktails and small bites and guests can choose to sit at the custom-built wraparound bar, or in its many intimate corners in a high-backed chair or on a velvet sofa. Art adorns the walls under the glittering custom chandeliers along with the glow of candlelight. The menu is crafted by “Top Chef” alum and Executive Chef Jamie Lynch and craft cocktails are inspired by Mixologist Patricia Smith.
5Church Charlotte is located at the intersection of 5th and Church Streets and within the Ivey's building. The modern and innovative American menu is also created by Executive Chef Jamie Lynch. 5Church Restaurant is the exclusive provider of room service and one of two preferred vendors for on property catering at The Ivey's Hotel.
