LIFE
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Art in the Omni Story by Mariah Kline Photos by Kathryn Harrington
THE OMNI HOTEL Opening Tuesday, March 6 at 5 p.m. 400 S. Second St. omnihotels.com/ hotels/louisville 502.313.6664 24
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s one of the city’s most anticipated events of 2018, the opening of the Omni Hotel has Louisville abuzz with questions about its impact on downtown. Time will tell how the economy and tourism will be affected by the national conglomerate’s arrival, but it is certain that the Omni isn’t leaving locals out of the excitement. The massive new complex will boast 612 rooms and 70,000 square feet of event space. As a nod to Louisville, the hotel’s pool deck (which will feature a full kitchen and bar) is named The Water Company. The pool will only be open to guests, but Mokara Salon & Spa on the third floor will have reservations available and open to the public, perfect for those of who work downtown and want to pop in for a quick massage. At its single location, the Omni will have five dining options, including Falls City Market, that are open to the public. Neighborhood Services will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and led by Chef Nick Badovinus. Bob’s Steak & Chop House will offer dinner and drinks in a luxurious atmosphere. Library, open all day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., will serve coffee and pastries during the day and locally-inspired cocktails in the evening. Pin + Proof, possibly the most exceptional option of them all, is a speakeasy that will feature four bowling lanes and an alluring, Prohibition-era vibe. Falls City Market is perhaps the most unique component of all. The food hall and marketplace will include a Heine Brothers Coffee storefront, a pizza station, flower shop, bookstore and more. Located on the first floor, this massive market will be accessible to the public and provide a much-needed one-stop-shop in downtown. “There’s really nothing like this in Louisville,” said Carly Mason, the Omni’s marketing manager. “This is more of an urban development, and it’s not quite like an Eataly or something to that extent, but it’s definitely unique to the city.” The Omni has made engaging the community a priority, and that includes the city’s thriving arts scene. A number of local artists will have their works on display in the hotel’s lobby and beyond. “From the minute you come in as you’re walking throughout the hotel, you’re going to see art,” said Mason. Local works will be featured all around the hotel, but several pieces will be found on the first floor leading to the guest elevators, creating a gallery of sorts for the public to view. Each piece will have a short description and an artist bio so admirers can learn more about the works. 0 2 . 1 5 . 2 0 1 8 V O I C E -T R I B U N E . C O M