Press Release
Auberge Resorts Collection Appointed to Manage Bowie House, A New Luxury Urban Retreat in Fort Worth, Texas
MILL VALLEY, Calif. (October 27, 2022) – Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences, has been selected by Jo Ellard, president of Bowie Place Properties, to manage Bowie House, a new urban retreat in Fort Worth, Texas. Set to open in late 2023, the hotel will be located in the heart of the city’s buzzing Cultural District, which is home to one of the finest collections of museums in America. When it debuts, the luxury boutique hotel will be the first of its kind for the area, anchoring a 30-block promenade of acclaimed museums, restaurants and unique retail.
Located in one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Fort Worth, on Camp Bowie Boulevard, a major and historic corridor that runs directly through the city’s Cultural District, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection will embody the western personality of Fort Worth with modern flair. With proximity to the Cultural District’s park-like setting of internationally-renowned, architecturally-acclaimed museums, Dickies Arena and the Will Rogers Memorial Center, celebrated equestrian and event facilities that attract millions of visitors each year, Bowie House will be a crown jewel to the community, further anchoring Fort Worth as an exciting urban destination for local Texans and discerning travelers from around the world.
“Fort Worth is a culturally rich gem full of uniquely Texan experiences, ranging from its famous
Stockyards district to the celebrated Kimbell Art Museum. We are excited to help open up this city to global travelers with a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel experience befitting such an incredible destination,” said Dan Friedkin, chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Bowie House will be modern and luxurious, yet local and full of character.”
Renowned interior design and architect firm BOKA Powell has been selected to lead the design of the luxury Fort Worth hotel. With a vision driven by Ellard’s deep-seated connection to the city, design elements will speak to the city’s characteristic charm and sophistication. Rich, traditional Texas finishes and trace Spanish architecture will reflect the locale, while collected and eccentric furniture and décor, curated by Ellard herself, will feel very personal and embody the vision of a true inhabitant of the town, naturally establishing the property as a quintessentially Texan getaway.
The four-story, 106-room boutique hotel will feature 88 rooms and 18 suites, including a 2,250-square-foot signature suite. Global in design, yet familiarly local in their finishes and details, guestrooms will feel like a sophisticated version of a private Texas home. Local western flavor will be woven into each guestroom with art and artifacts curated by some of Texas’ most notable artists and artisans.
Owner Jo Ellard notes, “I envision a hotel that embodies the history and culture of Fort Worth, that respects and pays homage to the western lifestyle that makes Fort Worth so special and that embraces the cultural sophistication and diversity for which the city has become so famous. Our hotel will incorporate all of these elements in a luxurious and welcoming setting. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said it best at the Bowie House Groundbreaking: ‘Bowie House Hotel is what the past, present and future looks like in Fort Worth.’ Fort Worth is a very special city. I live in Dallas, but I love Fort Worth.”
Camp Bowie Boulevard’s roots date back to World War I, when the area was established as a training camp for the 36th Division soldiers and specialists. Named after Alamo defender James Bowie, Camp Bowie’s military layout was later replaced with homes, churches and storefronts. Even through the area’s evolution, it has preserved much of its history in the locally owned businesses and original landmarks that still operate today. Previously home to Rick’s On The Bricks, a favorite restaurant for locals and visitors alike, and later a popular pub, The Ginger Man, the Bowie House Hotel itself is a well-known site—its social, convivial space primed to once again be a cherished hangout for all who visit.
On the ground level, a colonnaded lobby will uphold the building’s traditional classical architecture and welcome guests and locals with an array of places to gather and socialize. Dining options will include a signature restaurant facing a private enchanted garden with outdoor seating, a relaxing lobby bar and lounge and a terrace bar. Near the restaurant, a billiards room with pool and game tables will offer a fun recreation hub, ideal for private social gatherings. Additional social spaces will include an intimate rose-colored lacquered Library, a Fireplace Lounge and a dramatic grand ballroom that will be one of the most elegant event spaces in Texas.
The hotel will also boast a boutique, carefully curated to offer unique treasures, a barn-inspired spa, fitness center and an outdoor pool and bar. Inspired by Texans’ love of all things outdoors, the pool deck will hover on a second floor terrace completely ensconced in nature. There, guests can relax in private cabanas and order beverages and light food from the poolside bar.
Outside, the impressive hotel gardens will feature hedges and florals that climb walls and pergolas to make the dining seating and pergola lounge areas feel completely surrounded by nature. Soft seating and event spaces will be accented with fireplaces, firepits and water features to create a beautiful surprise around every corner.
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection will offer one-of-a-kind Texas-inspired experiences both on and off property. Fort Worth itself offers a conveniently walkable destination where guests can explore the Cultural District by foot, as all five museums, the world-class equestrian events at Will Rogers and the special events at Dickies Arena are within walking distance. A day visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards, a National Historical District, will welcome you into an authentic western experience of saloons, cattle drives, unique restaurants, dance halls and the finest western retail. Other nearby attractions, like The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, The Fort Worth Zoo, The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and outdoor ventures, such as jogging or biking along the 100 miles of Trinity Trails, offer accessible family-friendly activities.
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection will be the brand’s second property in Texas, joining Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin. The hotel will open in late 2023. For more information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/bowiehouse or connect with the hotel on instagram at @BowieHouseAuberge.
About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 23 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com
Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge
About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit www.friedkin.com.
Media Contact
Murphy O’Brien
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