EVENT

c.baldwin hotel grand opening

Make Your Mark.

Celebrating a one-of-a-kind Houston legend and pivotal yet unsung hero of the city's early development, Charlotte Baldwin Allen was the perfect namesake for a newly reimagined Curio Collection property downtown.

C. Baldwin, perched at the intersection of Downtown, Midtown, and Buffalo Bayou, made its grand entrance during the fall of 2019 with a mammoth 111-foot living wall, where native plants spelled out an 'X' so big it practically winked at passersby, and the McNeese High School Marching Band welcomed all for the night.

A Texas-sized "You Made It" neon sign and Insta-worthy backdrops (including a wall heralding the phrase, "Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History") greeted guests on approach as a dozen models with iPads flanked the entrance, checking in over 2,000. Grabbing cocktails, Houston's A-list meandered through the whimsical floors and outdoor space, where, unknown to them, the custom design and fabrication elements—the hotel's exterior sign (as they say, show must go on!), custom bars, a giant X (to sign your mark), and one circular stage—were made for keeps.

Inside, guests devoured creations from the signature restaurant Rosalie Italian Soul, helmed by Top Chef Master Chris Cosentino. This restaurant, a tribute to Chris' grandmother and culinary teacher, offered a tantalizing preview of what would come, including their Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas! Meanwhile, making their rounds, waiters offered up savories, sweets, and margaritas, too, while VIPs enjoyed a full spread in the restaurant.

With activities sprinkled throughout, including a sneak a peek at Paloma, a chic, clean beauty retreat, guests were encouraged to participate in a custom poetry moment and explore the wonders of the second home of Sloan/Hall's expertly curated boutique.

Alas, no proper Texas event could leave out the weather. And that night, as Houston's famous humidity made everyone glow, The Suffers delivered a hometown serenade, complemented by jet-set DJ acts The Dolls and Shanté. But the ultimate homage to the doyen of downtown Houston's new "it" place came when Gloria Gaynor took the stage. With Charlotte and the many powerhouse women for whom she paved the way holding court, Gaynor brought the house down with her anthemic "I Will Survive," her powerhouse notes reverberating through the night.