Interview: Trumbull and Porter Hotel
A Newly Renovated Hotel Embodying the Timeless Spirit of Detroit
This week, UNLEASHED is heading to Detroit, MI to shoot for #ConnectingThread, a documentary-style film series that profiles entrepreneurs around the world who are positively contributing to their communities. One of UNLEASHED’s Detroit partners is Trumbull and Porter Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel located in the heart of the Corktown area of the city. To generate excitement for the upcoming Detroit documentary, we would like to share interview responses provided by Nick Knight and Barry Caplan of Trumbull and Porter Hotel.
What’s exciting about the Corktown area of Detroit where Trumbull and Porter is located?
Corktown is the oldest neighborhood in Detroit, and recently has seen a lot of attention and development. It has always been known as the artistic part of town and now that Ford and other large companies are moving in as well, it will see even more development while interesting new venues for creativity are created.
What was the vision behind the renovation and who led it?
As a Michigan State University graduate (’86) and having lived in the suburbs of Detroit, I [Barry Caplan] had been following the resurgence of the city of Detroit. Leo Lee, our Los Angeles development partner, and I wanted to be part of this city transformation. Detroit did not have any unique boutique lifestyle properties. We wanted to be the first, and incorporate all Michigan trades, while staying true to the original design intent of the property. This was the ideal chance.
Patrick Thompson, a local Detroit designer; Barry Caplan, Access Hotel and Resorts; and Leo Lee, Gateway Secured Regional Center collaborated to create the story, culture and renovation of the property.
Who owns the newly renovated hotel?
Barry Caplan of Access Hotel and Resorts [is a co-owner with] over 32 years [of] industry experience. He is a co-founder and principal of Access and Hotel Resorts, established [in] 2005. Access is currently managing 14 hotels throughout [the] United States and Caribbean. Leo Lee, developer and principal of a private real estate investment firm and the Gateway Secured Regional Center, [is the other owner who] has had hotel investments over the past 15 years. Leo’s firm is also developing a Hyatt Centric [with] 200 rooms and 200 Hyatt Residences in L.A.
What are some hotel features and amenities that T&P’s staff is most proud of?
We have a fantastic food and beverage program here that is showcased through Red Dunn Kitchen, Burroughs Coffee Bar, The Courtyard, and various meeting/catering spaces. All of our food and beverage outlets showcase our social dining (shareable plates), seasonal urban comfort food and locally crafted beverages. We have a popular bike rental program where we rental bikes custom created for us by Detroit’s own Detroit Bike Company. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the city landscape, complimentary Wi-Fi and business center, as well as gated guest parking.
Each room is decorated with furniture created by Michigan artists. Is there a consistent style or design that runs through the hotel?
We wanted to create the ultimate urban lifestyle experience. The idea was to incorporate Michigan artisans and craftsman, supporting local creativity. The hotel’s inspiration for its mural and culture is a poem that hangs in the Burroughs Lounge, “While I Was Away (Detroit)” by David Blair, a local revered poet [who is] deceased. You can view his poem performed by him on YouTube. The desk furniture, headboards and hanging clothes rack were created by Bruce Thompson Wood Design. The lighting is by Colin Tury. The artwork is by Don Kirkpatrick. The desk and tables in the room are by Herman Miller. The chairs and day-beds are by Grand Rapid Chair Company. The cohesive design message is [in] support of the resurgence of our city.
The cohesive design message is [in] support of the resurgence of our city.
T&P also features the Red Dunn Kitchen. Who is the head chef and what is their culinary vision?
Chef Jay Gundy leads the culinary efforts of the property to showcase a social-shareable menu sourced from local ingredients. His theme is urban comfort food.
T&P has beautiful indoor spaces as well as an outdoor courtyard. What are some of the most common events held outside?
We currently host a wide variety of events ranging from our weekly movie and live music events that are open to the public to 250+ attendee weddings. The space is tastefully designed to host several different events at the same time or for the entire venue to be bought out for a private event.
Does the staff have a specific motto in regard to service?
The team believes in refined, yet approachable service. We all want our guests to feel relaxed and catered to in a social environment.
How does T&P embody the spirit of Detroit?
T&P embodies the spirit of Detroit through local sourcing and showcases of art, furniture, and fixtures from local artists and artisans.
Finally, what differentiates T&P from other boutique hotels in Detroit?
T&P is the original boutique hotel in Detroit. It’s fitting that the original boutique hotel would be located in the first recognized neighborhood of Detroit, Corktown. What makes it different is the neighborhood feel of the property and service provided while being located right in the city.
T&P is the original boutique hotel in Detroit. It’s fitting that the original boutique hotel would be located in the first recognized neighborhood of Detroit, Corktown.
