New Venues, Hotels and Accessibility Initiatives Across MidAmerica

 

Illinois

A new private event space from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is now open in downtown Chicago. Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Salon 61 is a new versatile group venue offering guests an opportunity to curate a menu for their next event that features the best of Lettuce Entertain You, including signature dishes across several Lettuce brands such as RPM Seafood, Sushi-san and more. 

Salon 61 offers 3,900 square feet of space and can accommodate groups of up to 125 guests for a seated event or up to 300 for a banquet-style reception. The venue features two large rooms, each with its own unique decor and character.

The Library, ideal for cocktail hours, welcome drinks and intimate receptions, is adorned with warm, wood-paneled walls and coffered cherry-wood ceilings. The Atrium room features a fully vaulted glass ceiling and large operable windows overlooking the historic courthouse building across Hubbard Street. 

Kansas

The historic hotel in Wichita, Kansas, Hotel at Old Town, completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that improved the property’s modern and luxurious spaces while preserving its historic elements. Complete with adjoining meeting space, the upgrades offer meeting planners an upscale and memorable downtown hotel option. 

Once a warehouse for the Keen Kutter brand, the historic building now housing Wichita’s Hotel at Old Town offers 114 updated guest rooms including 11 suites. The project also added a boardroom, upgraded the lobby and introduced a designated aviation floor, which houses artifacts and artwork that honor Wichita’s status as the Air Capital of the World.

Hotel at Old Town can accommodate up to 150 guests in the 1906 Bar & Lounge and 20 to 30 people in The Alcove. The hotel also features an event space for up to 500 attendees called The Vail, located directly across the brick-lined street outside the hotel’s entrance. 

Missouri

In mid-October, AC Hotel Kansas City Downtown opened within the city’s historic Rialto Building. The highly anticipated hotel blends sophistication and luxury with a vibrant history and features custom artwork, rich textures and timeless finishes that honor the building’s historic architectural charm. 

Located in the heart of Kansas City’s historic Financial District, and steps from the iconic Power & Light District and River Market, the new hotel introduced 239 guest rooms to the heart of downtown.

Visitors can savor a European-style breakfast or tapas at the AC Kitchen, enjoy Spanish wines and craft cocktails at the AC Lounge or indulge in craft coffee at the AC Cafe, which features a signature blend by local roaster The Roasterie paying homage to the hotel’s home in the iconic Rialto Building.

AC Hotel Kansas City Downtown features six versatile event spaces totaling 3,722 square feet, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. 

Advancing Accessibility

Visit Quad Cities announced its partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program earlier this fall, further advancing its commitment to fostering accessible tourism across the region. 

 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program provides a discreet way for individuals with non-visible disabilities to signal that they may need extra understanding, patience or support while navigating public spaces.

By wearing the Sunflower symbol on lanyards or pins, individuals can voluntarily indicate that they may need additional help or time during their visit due to hidden disabilities that can include conditions such as autism, chronic pain, respiratory difficulties and cognitive or mental health challenges. 

By becoming a Sunflower-friendly destination, Visit Quad Cities is ensuring that all visitors feel welcome and accommodated. Notably, Visit Quad Cities’ Union Station Destination Center in Davenport has become the first Sunflower-friendly location in the state of Iowa. 

“Being part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower [Program] is an important milestone for Visit Quad Cities as we continue to focus on accessible tourism,” said Katrina Keuning, director of brand and content strategy at Visit Quad Cities. “Our organization is constantly striving to learn more about accessibility solutions and finding ways to put them into practice. Becoming a Sunflower member helps us facilitate inclusion and better serve our community while showcasing the Quad Cities as an inclusive destination.”

Read more about new and renovated properties