The word “collision” may conjure up thoughts of dented fenders, insurance claims, and accident reports.
But North Minneapolis designer, merchant, and real estate developer Houston White is reframing the word and giving it a positive spin as part of his partnership with the new Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.
On May 19, the powerhouse entrepreneur and hotel are teaming up for an evening of cultural collisions at the downtown hotel.
“‘Collision’ can have a negative connotation, but we see it as an opportunity for worlds to collide, for people from different backgrounds, ages, genders, and experiences to come together,” said Hayley Matthews-Jones, COO of The Get Down Coffee Company, Houston’s specialty coffee shop, and cafe.
“We see that cultural collusion as where the magic happens with creativity and different insights. We see that as an asset, not a threat,” Matthews-Jones said.
Houston’s first Cultural Collisions event will bring together a diverse group of hotel guests and people from the community. They will rub shoulders on the fourth-floor Riva Terrace, complete with spectacular city views of the Minneapolis skyline.
The sunset event is planned from 4 to 6 pm on May 19. The $75 admission ticket includes valet parking, passed hors d’oeuvres, and two drinks. Reservations are now available on Tock and the events page at The Get Down website: www.getdowncoffee.com/events/fourseasonsmay19
Called “a cultural curator,” White is lending his expertise to select hotel experiences and events. He has collaborated on the Four Seasons’ recruitment efforts, community initiatives, musical playlists, and its Socca Café coffee program, soon to feature products from The Get Down Coffee Company.
“My partnership with Four Seasons is truly a dream come true,” said White. “It’s my belief that partnership across differences creates the dopest of outcomes. We are just getting started, and I’m truly excited for what we will do together.”
White is behind the Houston White x Target collection. He is the owner, founder, and designer of Houston White Men’s Room, a barbershop and apparel store located in the Camden neighborhood. His housing development project, Camdentown Flats, is set to open later this summer.