Hotel News

Dallas investor firm acquires iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Ownership has changed on this legendary Dallas property.

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

One of Dallas' most legendary hotels has a new owner: The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek was acquired by HN Capital Partners, a Dallas-based private investor that specializes in hospitality and mixed-use investments.

According to a release, the Mansion will continue to operate as a Rosewood Hotels & Resorts-managed hotel under the ownership of HN Capital Partners.

HN Capital was founded by former Hunt executive Vipin Nambiar, and hospitality real estate is a key part of portfolio, with a goal of engaging with the community and improving the surrounding neighborhood. The company recently repositioned and reopened Hotel Per La in Los Angeles, formerly known as NoMad LA, and they have a number of urban projects in the pipeline across major cities to be announced in the coming months.

The release says that HN will work with Rosewood toward a common goal of growing the hotel's offerings through unique programming and original hospitality experiences.

"We're thrilled to be working alongside the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts team to build upon the success of such a beloved historic property in the Dallas area," says HN founder Vipin Nambiar in a statement. "This magnificent estate offered HN Capital a unique opportunity to further invest in the Dallas community, and we’re excited to continue to forge even stronger bonds with local partners as we begin work on enhancing what this iconic hospitality destination has to offer."

"Our goal is to respect the hotel’s history and work closely with the Rosewood team to further expand the luxury offerings and imagine new services that ensure that the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek remains the most beloved hotel for the Dallas community and travelers alike," he says.

"Our aspiration always remains the same: to use our training as architects, planners, finance, and legal professionals with the guiding principle of leaving something better than we found it. Our effort here will be no different."

An architectural gem completed known for its 16th-century Italian Renaissance design, the original mansion estate was the epicenter of Dallas' social scene, hosting events with famous guests including the likes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Tennessee Williams.

The century-old former private estate completed in 1925 was transformed by Caroline Rose Hunt in 1981 into a hotel and restaurant, becoming the first property of the global Rosewood Hotels & Resorts collection. It was most recently updated in 2020, in time for its 40th anniversary.

New American cuisine at The Mansion Restaurant and enjoy creative cocktails at the intimate Mansion Bar. The hotel is also home to a resort-style outdoor pool, the acclaimed The Mansion Restaurant, and the intimate Mansion Bar.

STILL STANDING

Quirky Stonehenge replica in Texas survived the devastating floods

Stonehenge II/ Facebook

Stonehenge II is undamaged after the Independence Day catastrophe.

One of the weirdest art installations in Texas' Hill Country has weathered the crushing Texas floods: Stonehenge II, an almost-to-scale replica of the ancient English landmark, was undamaged by recent flooding, according to Hill Country Arts Foundation, the 65-year-old arts nonprofit responsible for its upkeep.

Although the monument itself was unscathed, several adjacent facilities were damaged, including its black box theater, outdoor theater, offices, tech shop, and ceramics studio. The center will be shuttered until further notice.

“The recent flood did a lot of damage to the property, though Stonehenge II was undamaged,” wrote an HCAF rep. “The property is closed at this time.”

Actor and rancher Al Sheppard erected the curiosity in 1989 with help from neighbor Doug Hill. As the story goes, Hill gifted Sheppard a limestone slab left over from a patio project. Hill stood it in the middle of his pasture.

“Sheppard and Hill liked the look of the monolith and built an arch around it,” explains signage at the property. “The 13-foot arch reminded them of Stonehenge in England. Soon, a vision formed, and Sheppard contracted Hill to build their very own Stonehenge II.”

The remainder of the stones were made from steel, metal lathe, and plaster, anchored in cement. The full circle is 90 percent as wide as the original and 60 percent as tall.

A few years later, Sheppard visited Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. Two maoi statues were added to the original Hunt, Texas site. After Sheppard’s passing, his family donated the sculptures to HCAF, which moved the massive installation to Ingram in 2012.

Although travel website Far & Wide dubbed it “the most boring tourist trap” in Texas, it has remained a symbol of local pride. HCAF even hosts weddings on the property.

The sense of humor about the sculpture remains in place, even as HCAF’s facilities were ravaged by the violent weather. The foundation acts as a hub of artistic education, theatrical performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Arts patrons can help HCAF repair its grounds via its online portal. The nonprofit also recommends donating to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

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