courtesy of Tiny Urban Escapes
CONTAINED EXCITEMENT Tiny Urban Escapes words: Julie Yates
“Our concept is to create a coveted retreat from the outside world. A true urban utopia.” —Robin Staten
18
edible INDY
Summer 2022
R
obin Staten has warm childhood memories of the historic Riverside community on the Westside of Indianapolis. She was attracted to the hospitality industry in large part because she wanted to re-experience the power of the place she felt as a child while growing up in her grandmother’s home. Now, as an innovative entrepreneur and a new hotelier, she is seeing her dreams come to fruition. She chose the Near Westside area of Haughville (located west of downtown Indianapolis between White River Parkway to the east and Tibbs Avenue to the west) as the site for her unique boutique hotel, which is constructed from upcycled shipping containers. The mini resort consists of four luxury suites, a larger event space and a charming Persian garden within a courtyard. Each suite has a different décor and vibe, but all are designed to give guests a respite from the outside world and foster a sense of place. “There was always an overwhelming sensation of warmth and welcome, a display of solicitude for everyone who frequented my grandmother’s home. There was something about her that made everyone feel whole and well. I wanted to offer guests the opportunity to experience a new kind of well-being, like what I grew up feeling. Throughout this journey of becoming a hotelier, I have learned that the calling towards hospitality was always in me. I just needed to settle my nerves and be courageous enough to take on the task,” says Staten. Staten is notable for her daring trailblazing. Women are not found frequently in the commercial real estate development world, especially African American women. When it became time to secure financing for her project, Staten investigated traditional banking institutions. However, she knew she wanted to locate in the Westside
