Contributed by ALICIA SHEBER
YOURS TRULY D . C . IS A GATHERING SPOT WITH BRUTALISM , BOHO VIBES .
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Furnishings complement the Brutalist-style building with a bohemian touch .
At a time when the atmosphere of Washington , D . C ., is so politically charged , along comes the free-spirited Yours Truly D . C . to further shake up the status quo .
Global developer Brookfield Properties appointed Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group ( SDDG ) to create the interior design and branding for this independent hotel , and in the process transform a 1971 property with Brutalist tendencies into a vibrant hotspot in the Dupont Circle neighborhood .
The resulting “ bohemian ” design draws inspiration from the 1970s when the area was a hub for nonconformists in the counterculture movement . That legacy still shapes the community ’ s spirit today , says General Manager Kristofer Carlson , who runs Yours Truly D . C . for operator Aimbridge Hospitality . He lives close to the property and was GM of the site ’ s previous occupant , Wink Hotel .
Carlson ’ s insights into the local dynamics were particularly trusted since he and Lisa Simeone , co-founder of SDDG , previously collaborated on The Westin Austin Downtown when he was its general manager .
“ Brookfield is a tough taskmaster when it comes to schedules , and it was not an easy construction process ,” Simeone says . The team was given one year to gut the 207,478-square-foot property ’ s interiors and complete the new installation , all while Wink remained partially open .
But COVID-19 derailed the best-laid plans . Meant to open April 2020 , Carlson says the team opted instead for a phased opening with greater time to perfect each service . Yours Truly D . C . officially launched May 11 .
“ We used that month to make sure the brand was ingrained in everyone ,” says Carlson . “ It was really organic , and we weren ’ t under the gun to be worried about occupancy , ADR and financials like usually
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