Restored Savoy Grill is Centerpiece of New 21c Museum Hotel
Published April 27th, 2018 at 12:15 PM
By Kevin Collison
First off, breathe easy Kansas City history buffs.
The inner sanctum of the Savoy Grill, that 1903 time-capsule of dark oak woodwork, terrazzo floor, Old West murals and Harry Truman’s “Booth No. 4,” returns when the $47.5 million renovation of the Savoy Hotel is completed this summer.
Yes, the adjoining dining room—a 1960s addition by the way—is getting a contemporary upgrade, although the original columns, ceiling and floor will remain.
But the iconic room that’s a living reminder of Kansas City’s cattle-town glory days of the late 19th and early 20th Century remains intact.
And while we’re at it, the gorgeous, 15-foot diameter Art Nouveau glass dome in the lobby is being refurbished along with the original tile floor.
The booths in the former Savoy Grill are being restored, including Harry Truman’s favorite No. 4.
The new owner and operator of the 120-room historic property at 219 W. Ninth St., 21c Museum Hotel, is accepting room reservations for Aug. 6 and anticipates opening the restaurant, which is being rebranded as “The Savoy,” in mid-July.
While retaining the historic architectural elements that make the Savoy special, the Louisville-based hotel group is adding 6,200 square feet of exhibition and event space.
It will feature rotating fine art exhibits curated by Alice Gray Stites, museum director and chief curator.
And chef Joe West can’t wait to take diners at The Savoy on a little time trip of his own.
West, whose previous experience includes the former 40 Sardines, Bluestem and Stock Hill, believes he’s ready as a chef to tackle The Savoy.
“You have to be mature enough a chef to recognize the atmosphere of the building and let that inspire the menu,” he said. “This building has a strong history in the city.
“As a chef, I’ve been focused on modern dining and imitating other modern chefs around the country. Now, I’m comfortable enough in my ability to cook classic cuisine.”
The dining theme of The Savoy will be mid-century. Dishes will included prime rib, lobster thermidor, steak tartare, escargot and chicken a la king.
“This is stuff you haven’t seen on a menu in years,” he said. “It will be great for two sets of people. Those who haven’t had these dishes before and this who’ve had them in the past.
“It will bring back fond memories and create new memories.”
The old Savoy bar is being restored by Joe Munson Studios.
The chef hopes the reincarnated restaurant will attract both hotel guests and area residents. The prices are expected to be moderate with entrees ranging from the teens to the twenties. Plenty of a la carte items also will be offered.
The historic Savoy Grill space will function as a bar and lounge, although meals can be ordered there as well along with small plates and appetizers.
“I think the young crowd will love that,” West said. “This is the real deal.”
The decorative scarab above the old bar will be emblazoned on some china.
Jennifer Petrisko, a spokeswoman for 21c Museum Hotel, said other flourishes at the Savoy Hotel will include a rooftop guest suite with an outdoor terrace, fitness center, business center and valet parking.
With 150 workers from McCownGordon on site daily with all the associated commotion, the Savoy’s legendary previous guests have apparently checked out, at least for now.
“We haven’t seen any evidence of ghosts yet,” Petrisko said.
The architect for the project is New York-based Deborah Berke Partners and Hufft Projects.
Joe Munson Studios is refurbishing the historic bar, and Tudor Woodworks is restoring other old millwork. Rosin Preservation was the architectural historian on the project.
Savoy chef Joe West plans to use his new kitchen to take diners back to mid-century dishes.
The original Santa Fe Trail murals painted by Edward J. Holslag will stay in the old restaurant space.
The Art Nouveau glass dome above the lobby is being restored.
The dining room, a 1960s addition to the restaurant, is being renovated with a more contemporary look but will retain its original columns, ceiling and floor.
The historic Savoy Hotel is scheduled to reopen for guests this August after a $47.5 million renovation.
The first floor layout of the restored Savoy Hotel. (Image from 21c Museum Hotel)