Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1506596
YOUR CLUBS ARE CALLING OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. BOTH IMAGES JAY TOVAR K indred Stories bookstore in the Third Ward functions as both a repository of knowledge and a cultural center. Located near Project Row Houses' recently renovated Eldorado Ballroom, the store — a community partner with Row Houses — bears a mighty imprint beyond its 500 square feet. Its gray wooden row- house structure, known as XS House, was built by the Rice Design Workshop, with interiors by Anita Smith. We're reminded of houses depicted by a Third Ward legend, the late artist Dr. John Biggers. "When people walk in, I want them to feel like this is home," says Terri Hamm, who co- owns Kindred Stories with husband Troy Hamm. "The word kindred reminds me of family. I wanted a physical space to explore the works that Black authors specifically write about our history, our culture, where we see ourselves going in the future." Terri is a Howard University grad reared in Queens, New York; Troy is an energy trader who loves Toni Morrison books. The selection of volumes at Kindred Stories is eclectic and diasporic, representing authors such as Hua Hsu and Mark Oshiro alongside 2022 MacArthur Genius grant recipient and Rice University Professor Kiese L a y m o n , a n d Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Houston's first Black Poet L a u r e a t e . S e e website for author talks and events. Kindred Stories, 2304 Stuart St., kindredstorieshtx. c o m . E r i c k a Schiche Good Reads Near Row Houses M i d - c e n t u r y p h i l e s , rejoice. You know who you are — those who worship at the altar of all things Mad Men. You've watched A Single Man, Tom Ford's seminal film with its laser-focused details from that era too many times to count. And you're always on the lookout for a n e w S a a r i n e n c h a i r t o l o u n g e in while listening t o R o s e m a n y Clooney's "Mambo Italiano" vintage vinyl on your record player. You finally have a place to score a reservation. The new Dallas-based lodging company Mod Motels — the brainchild of luxury motel developers and siblings Lisa L e n n o x , C a t h y Bonner, and Kirk Bonner — is revitalizing motels from that era, and their first property debuts in summer 2024: Interstate Inn in Stephenville, 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Mod Motels is transforming the former Caravan Inn into a boutique property with 33 rooms and a Rat Pack-era vibe, assembling an all Dallas-based design crew for the project including lead architects Shelton Architecture, Neal Stewart Designs for the interiors, and The Guest Group designing the in-house restaurant, The Seeker. The property and THEN There's MOD will retain its original mid-century architecture, including the lobby roof that resembles an interstate highway sign, and incorporate elements from the era such as cinder-block partition walls for more privacy. Each of the 33 rooms will be a unique experience, with no two rooms alike, with bold pattern and color, contrasting materials, and unique artwork. Meanwhile, T h e S e e k e r, a S t e p h a n P y l e s restaurant concept, w i l l i n t r o d u c e S t e p h e n v i l l e t o one of Texas' true culinary pioneers. Pyles, the recipient o f A A A F i v e Diamond Awards a s w e l l a s t w o James Beard Awards (and another 12 n o m i n a t i o n s ) , h a s c r e a t e d 2 3 restaurants in seven cities over the past three decades. Stephenville is only the first stop for Mod Motels' Texas road trip. In the works is The Mimi on Main (named after founder Lisa Lennox's mother) in Fredericksburg, perfectly situated for guests to explore the downtown area's restaurants, bars, and shops. Iron Springs Lodge in Whitney promises a more rustic feel, with bunkhouses and luxury suites, as well as access to more than 200 acres with expansive riding trails. We're planning our road trips now — martinis and conga l i n e s i n c l u d e d . m o d m o t e l s . c o m . Courtney Dabney A rendering of Interstate Inn, opening summer 2024 Kindred Stories' Terri Hamm Kindred Stories 14