Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1310806
of Todd Interiors, and Merriman Anderson Architects, with landscape design by SWA Group. Guest rooms average more than 700 square feet — of the 219 rooms, 52 are suites, and two are penthouse suites. Walnut-and- brass headboards, which reference Dahl's original design elements, are set against blue-lacquered walls. The 14,000-square-foot fourth-floor National Ballroom has three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, 20-foot ceilings, and private suites that overlook the space. Two acres of indoor-outdoor space on the ninth floor — originally a private terrace for bank executives — now feature a full-service spa, fitness and wellness center, and a resort-style pool, along with Nine at The National, a casual restaurant. On the 10th floor is Catbird restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar. Caroline Todd selected more than $2 million worth of furnishings and art from prestigious international galleries and art fairs including Frieze London and PAD London. Barlas JULIE SOFER Baylar, Hervé Langlais, and Ad Hoc designed furniture for the hotel; David Yarrow photography, sculpture by Raul Mourão, and paintings by David Bates and JD Miller are also featured. Thompson Dallas, 205 N. Akard St., thompsonhotels.com. Thompson Dallas lobby A corner guest room In the lobby, sculpture by Raul Mourão. Painting by JD Miller. A painting by David Bates hangs in the lobby. Kambel Smith's The National, 2020 From the StreetS oF Philly Amidst Thompson Dallas' multi- million dollar art collection, one special commission stands out. Kambel Smith's The National, 2020, occupies pride of place in the hotel's restored lobby. Formed from humble materials (foam board, Plexiglas, charcoal, oil, papier mâché, LED lights), the sculpture replicates the modernist architecture of George Dahl's National building as it has been reborn under Todd Interests' preservation. Its sculptor is a self-taught autistic artist who was discovered on the streets of Germantown, Philadelphia, three years ago, crafting iconic Philly buildings from cardboard and other salvaged materials. Since then, Smith has had a meteoric rise, with exhibitions, museum acquisitions, private commissions, and media acclaim. There's a Texas connection too: Chris Byrne, Dallas Art Fair co-founder and owner/founder of the Elaine de Kooning House and its residency in East Hampton, New York. Byrne has exhibited Smith's work at the Elaine de Kooning House and the Outsider Art Fair. Byrne tells PaperCity: "The developer, Shawn Todd, was aware of Kambel's work and contacted me about the commission. After researching George Dahl, Kambel was enthusiastic about the project — and I think The National, 2020, is among his best." Todd says, "Kambel's sculptures are ennobling to the original architectural design of each building he presents. This Autisarian is an inspiration to all." Catherine D. Anspon COLLECtIOn thOmpSOn DaLLaS, phOtO SCOtt nEwtOn 58