Tiny Urban Escapes
“Our concept is to create a coveted retreat from the outside world. A true urban utopia.” —Robin Staten
Robin Staten has warm childhood memories of the historic Riverside community on the Westside of Indianapolis. She was attracted to the hospitality industry in large part because she wanted to re-experience the power of the place she felt as a child while growing up in her grandmother’s home. Now, as an innovative entrepreneur and a new hotelier, she is seeing her dreams come to fruition.
She chose the Near Westside area of Haughville (located west of downtown Indianapolis between White River Parkway to the east and Tibbs Avenue to the west) as the site for her unique boutique hotel, which is constructed from upcycled shipping containers. The mini resort consists of four luxury suites, a larger event space and a charming Persian garden within a courtyard. Each suite has a different décor and vibe, but all are designed to give guests a respite from the outside world and foster a sense of place.
“There was always an overwhelming sensation of warmth and welcome, a display of solicitude for everyone who frequented my grandmother’s home. There was something about her that made everyone feel whole and well. I wanted to offer guests the opportunity to experience a new kind of well-being, like what I grew up feeling. Throughout this journey of becoming a hotelier, I have learned that the calling towards hospitality was always in me. I just needed to settle my nerves and be courageous enough to take on the task,” says Staten.
Staten is notable for her daring trailblazing. Women are not found frequently in the commercial real estate development world, especially African American women. When it became time to secure financing for her project, Staten investigated traditional banking institutions. However, she knew she wanted to locate in the Westside area and had a desire to contribute to the revitalization and make her urban retreat accessible to all. Having some knowledge of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Indianapolis, she reached out to the organization.
“LISC believed in me, my vision, the project. They saw the cultural and economic impact it would have in the Near West Michigan Street Corridor,” says Staten. “The loan financing and some grant funding from LISC allowed me to retain 100% ownership of Tiny Urban Escape real estate and brand, which was especially important to me as a member of the African American community and specially representing the less than 1% Black female hoteliers in the industry.”
Adds Dr. David Hampton, executive director of LISC Indianapolis, “Through an LISC partnership with the Lilly Endowment, Staten received $280,000 in funding. We liked that it was innovative and would have a high impact in the heart of one of our investment neighborhoods. Not only could we lend her money at a better rate, but since this is her first venture, we can give her technical assistance as well as capital.”
Staten intentionally sought to partner with firms that have strong female leadership. For interior design, she chose Siren Betty, an all-woman interior design firm based out of Chicago. Also involved with the project are two Indianapolis companies: Meticulous Design and Architecture and MonaVation General Contractors. Both organizations had Black women leading their portions of the project. In addition, the Tiny Urban Escape executive team is composed of women.
“Our concept is to create a coveted retreat from the outside world. A true urban utopia,” says Staten. “We are thoughtful around meeting guests where they are as urban dwellers, providing both a respite for residents seeking staycations and a way for travelers to fully immerse themselves into a new kind of hospitality experience. Tiny Urban Escapes has an opportunity to build on wellness communities in a way a traditional hotel or wellness resort cannot.”
Tiny Urban Escapes
2214 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis
TinyUrbanEscapes.com
WHAT IS LISC INDIANAPOLIS?
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Indianapolis is part of a national organization dedicated to improving the viability and quality of life within the city neighborhoods. Its goals are accomplished by partnering with both individual leaders and local organizations to support initiatives and programs. Connections are facilitated in order to offer training and information as well as capital expertise to increase jobs, housing and businesses.
“We are a ‘backbone’ organization,” says Dr. David Hampton, LISC director. “Money funnels through us to fund initiatives to strengthen neighborhoods. We are best known for supporting programs that improve the quality of life. However, we want the community to be informed about our credit enhancement and lending practices since we are a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).”
Find information about the, the Real Estate Assistance for Black Owned Businesses and the Great Places initiative at LISC.org/indianapolis.
