FLORA, a deftly named new patio space, opens at historic hotel

OKLAHOMA CITY Paying homage to the increasingly greening of downtown, FLORA opened last week as amidst foliage and blooms at the Colcord Hotel, the award-winning boutique hotel in the state capital city.

The new patio space was designed to complement the newly renovatedFLINT Kitchen & Bar and to create a pet-friendly urban oasis.

Teaming up with Blooms by Brooke, a local landscape architecture group, the patio is designed for group gatherings, but also intimate spaces. With a menu of small bites, the new patio space will also feature live music Thursdays through Saturdays, local beverages, cocktails on tap and wines by the glass. Nature is woven into every aspect of FLORA’s design, including lantana lining the marble wall. Each plant is sourced from a local, family-owned nursery, adding a layer of local flair to the space.

Flora is just over 2,700 square feet with seating for 50 and capacity for 125 guests.

“FLORA is an urban green-scape and a nod to the beauty of the Oklahoma City Botanical Gardens,” said Justin George, interim general manager of the Colcord Hotel. “An Eden within the downtown core, the abundant floral and greenery is meant to relax the mind of our guests. In an area of perpetual motion, FLORA evokes the desire to stop and smell the roses - or the lantana. We wanted to create an escape from the hustle and bustle of the downtown corridor, an area where guests could get away, even just for an evening.

To create that green space, FLORA partnered with Blooms by Brooke, which has a personal connection to the nursery that supports the Myriad Botanical Gardens through her husband’s family. Brooke Northcutt graduated in 2018 from Oklahoma State University with a degree in horticulture alongside her husband, Nicolas Northcutt. She has worked in the industry since 2016, specializing in design since 2020.

“Justin approached me for a plant design when the Colcord team started brainstorming ideas for FLORA,” said Brooke Northcutt of Blooms by Brooke. “My love is creating spaces where individuals can connect with nature and plants in any environment. It has been a privilege working with them on this beautiful project. The Colcord team is passionate about plants, and developing a beautiful green space for guests to immerse in while visiting.”

Working with The Colcord, the team aimed to create a serene green space for guests to enjoy. After listening to their ideas, Northcutt said she envisioned using evergreens and florals to complement the space and create a design that felt welcoming and tranquil amidst the business of downtown.

Originally the FLINT patio, the new FLORA compliments the renovation of FLINT, the on-site restaurant of The Colcord. As sibling restaurants, the two were created separately to complement each other as part of the experiences offered at the historic hotel. FLINT is a full-service, semi-fine dining experience with an expansive bar, an award-winning wine program and private dining opportunities.

FLORA, in turn, is a casual, come-and-go outdoor venue that is friendly to all ages.

“The patio space will feature live music three nights a week, patio games and lounge seating in a light and airy atmosphere,” said George. “FLINT is experiential, a place where you can take your time and appreciate the full menu. FLORA is a space you could spend all afternoon or could pop in and out before and after Thunder games, shows at the Civic Center and more.”

After an extensive remodel, FLINT at The Colcord has also reopened with updated spaces that include a private dining room and a true lounge area with soft seating, a new quartz bar top and marble sheets accenting the signature fireplace.

“We also refreshed the culinary offerings,” George said. “While still approachable, FLINT now features midwestern cuisine with a decidedly southern influence. We also pay tribute to our past with oyster features as a nod to the oyster bar that previously occupied the space that is now the Colcord Hotel lobby.”

FLORA is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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