C. Baldwin Hotel Opens With Much Fan Fare As Tribute to a Houston Unsung Hero…

I may have only returned from Italy last night but I couldn’t wait to report on what my daughter, Nicole Pactor Graham who attended this in my absence and many of my friends reported on social media was “the party of the year”. The bash befitting the incredible mark that Charlotte Baldwin Allen made on framing the early days of the Bayou City, was a rousing ode to her and for many of the powerhouse women for which she paved the way. There was much activity on every floor but it should be noted that for many music made the night from the kickoff of the night by the McNeese Marching Band to the special, surprise performances from Houston’s own Kam Franklin & The Suffers, disco diva Gloria Gaynor and jet set DJ’s The Dolls and Shanté.

What a night it was when over 2,000 VIP guests came out to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly reimagined Houston hotel, C. Baldwin, that has been reborn as a one-of-a-kind hospitality milestone that honors one of our town’s founding members who happened to be a woman, the unsung hero of Houston’s early development, Charlotte Baldwin Allen. This newest 354 room Curio Collection property is located at the western gateway of downtown serving as the new social anchor for the landmark Allen Center, one of the neighborhood’s first mixed use developments.

“C. Baldwin represents the best of what downtown Houston has become while recognizing the women intertwined in its history, ” said Maggie Rosa, general manager of C.Baldwin.

C. Baldwin showcases the best of the city as it relates to hospitality, community and cuisine. Like its namesake, C. Baldwin is a monument to strong female visionairies. The masterful designs was brought to life by internationally-renowned Lauren Rottet of Houston-based Rottet Studio, as well as award-winning Kate Rohrer of Philadelphia’s ROHE Creative. The property has it all…..stylish accomodations, stunning common areas, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, a signature restaurant, Rosalie Italian Soul from Top Chef Master Chris Cosentino and rising star Sasha Grumman at the helm……a tribute to Chris’ grandmother who was his culinary teacher. Also there is Paloma, a chic clean beauty retreat and chic boutique Sloan/Hall’s second Houston hot spot.

The party was a huge success says everyone attending and made for a great evening showing the diversity of our city. From business leaders to local celebs, sport stars, politicos and entrepreneurs to non-profit trailblazers, C. Baldwin’s opening night party was the place to see and be seen…….all a living testament to the strength, beauty and forward-thinking vision of Baldwin herself, an honor which was long over due. The following are some fun highlights from the evening……

Photos courtesy of Wilson Parish & Michelle Watson