Black Women Breaking Ground: Robin Staten’s Tiny Urban Escapes
In honor of Black History Month, we present the Black Women Breaking Ground series, highlighting a few of the many inspiring Black women making a mark in our cities.
Sometimes – a moment of serenity is all we crave… Ever dream of a place to retreat to for even just a little while that wasn’t the car or the bathroom or the pantry? Or somewhere to get together with friends that feels like a getaway, but is as close as a jaunt across town? A girl’s night, or a girl’s day perhaps. Somewhere you can celebrate your anniversary without having to go very far?
Owner Robin Staten breaks ground on Tiny Urban Escapes January 2022.
We know just the place.
Tiny Urban Escapes held their groundbreaking on January 28, for their development planned to open this summer in a key commercial corridor along West Michigan Street. The concept of this urban retreat encourages wellness beyond vacation. After seeing what they have planned, we are ready for our escape. This may be just the kind of unique experience you are craving, too.
Proprietor Robin Staten envisioned the plan for Tiny Urban Escapes that is now coming to life, and she is happy to be at the forefront as the first Black, female owner and operator of a shipping container boutique hotel. Her journey into the hospitality industry began after almost 36 years in higher ed administration. As assistant controller at a 374-room Marriott property, she had a firsthand look into all of the intricacies of the hospitality industry. The venture is part of a greater calling inspired by her grandmothers’ sense of hospitality and style – a merging of wellness and cultural heritage tourism for an enriching experience that is sure to recharge the soul.
Robin Staten, the creator and owner of Tiny Urban Escapes.
Tiny Urban Escapes offers a fully automated, self-service experience making it possible to do everything from checking in to checking out with ease. They partner with other businesses and organizations in the community to provide various amenities. Guests will have access to holistic wellness services, special experiences, unique remote workspace and on-demand concierge services. So whether celebrating a special anniversary, a bridal shower, intimate banquet event or something else, this urban hideaway may be the venue you are looking for. Tiny Urban Escapes will have some of their own programming (think yoga, sip & paint, etc.) and be available for those who want to host events there as well.
“Tiny Urban Escapes is the new paradigm in hospitality,” Staten said. “A bold contrast from traditional hospitality and one that is instantly recognizable by the idiosyncratic design, tailored accommodation, intimate atmosphere, and personalized attention offered to every guest.”
Each suite - like The Bold shown here - sleeps two with a queen-sized bed.
The Luxe suite at Tiny Urban Escapes, an overnight stay is priced starting at $189.
Located in the heart of the historically Black community, Haughville – there will be four uniquely designed overnight suites made from shipping containers upcycled into semi-glass private spaces: The Naturalist, The Bold, The Blossom, and The Luxe. Staten worked with a group of female interior designers to design the spaces, which started by visualizing the individual who would be staying there. On the outside, nature will be used all around the development site to provide a sense of peace and privacy.
Ready for your tiny urban escape? Pre-booking is available now.
Speaking to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry Staten observed, “There was a lack of mentorship from people who look like me.” It is important to her to help open the way for others and offer that mentorship to other women and women of color.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Indianapolis, the local office of the country’s largest community development organization, is lending $280,000 to the project for pre-development and construction. This financing is made possible with support from the Lilly Endowment for credit enhancement for economic development projects with a focus on high-impact investments in Black-owned businesses located in disinvested neighborhoods.
Celebrate your anniversary luxuriously in The Blossom suite.
What does the future hold for Tiny Urban Escapes? “We definitely have plans to scale,” Staten said. That’s great news, because we know once word gets out about this fabulous retreat, people will want to experience it.
MORE INFO: Tiny Urban Escapes will be located at 2214 W. Michigan St. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bookings are now available, starting at $189 per night. Follow Tiny Urban Escapes on Instagram for all of the latest updates and news on the upcoming opening in Summer 2022.
