New hotel brings style, sophistication and sustainability to Indianapolis

A stylish new addition is coming to the Indianapolis skyline in January, when The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel, opens as part of CityWay, a new 14-acre neighbourhood that also includes residential, office and retail space in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
The 209-room luxury property is unlike any other hotel in the region, with an emphasis on art, sustainability and unparalleled service. In collaboration with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, more than 40 works of contemporary art, which will be on view throughout the hotel's public spaces. An unprecedented twelve works are site-specific commissions for The Alexander. In addition, the Plat99 mixology cocktail lounge space inside the hotel was designed by acclaimed artist Jorge Pardo, who is also creating a monumental chandelier for the grand staircase leading from the first floor to the second floor lobby area. A 2010 recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship (commonly known as a "Genius Grant"), Pardo's work spans the intersection of art, design and architecture.
The eco-friendly hotel will be LEED-certified, with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Outfitted with fixtures designed to conserve water and energy, like LED lighting, occupancy controls and energy efficient appliances, The Alexander also will employ a storm water collection system. The hotel roof drain system will collect storm runoff in a 2,500 gallon cistern that will be used for irrigation for the green spaces around the property. Any excess water collected will be treated and returned into the city's storm water system, reducing impact on the city's sewer system. Easily accessible recycling bins will be placed around the property, and recycled materials have even been utilized in construction. Crushed concrete and asphalt from the former parking lot on the site was used for clean backfill and base for the foundation, and chunks of limestone from old building foundations on the site will be used for retaining walls and decorative landscaping.
"We know that our guests are concerned about conserving resources, so we've been able to incorporate the latest products and technology to minimize our impact on the environment, but without sacrificing anything in terms of comfort, style and service," said Michael Moros, general manager of The Alexander. "For meeting and event planners, we are also able to assist in implementing green meeting practices for their clients."
About The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel With 209 total rooms, including 157 deluxe guest rooms and 52 extended-stay suites, The Alexander will bring a unique element to downtown Indianapolis. The Pardo-designed Plat99 lounge will feature artisan cocktails developed by expert mixologists, as well as a seasonal menu of small plates designed to perfectly accompany the cocktails. The Market Dining restaurant concept will showcase locally sourced ingredients and fresh creations. For events, the hotel has a total of 16,500 square feet of space available, including a 3,520 square-foot ballroom, breakout rooms and a 2,400 square-foot outdoor plaza. The hotel is named for Alexander Ralston, the city planner who laid out the original plan for Indy's downtown in the early 19th century. For more information about the hotel, visit thealexander.com.