Ignited by the discovery of a curious rock in the cool glistening waters of Little Meadow Creek, Charlotte is a city born from the grit and industrious spirit of the nation’s first gold rush. The region’s pebbled creek beds, winding rivers and mysterious woods where settlers hoped to strike it rich provide the framework for an inspired design approach of the new UNC Charlotte Marriott. Complimented by artful earth elements, a neutral color palette brings serenity to the hotel spaces. Aspirational luxury is realized through metallic touches, reminiscent of the treasure twinkling between the sand in the old settler’s gold pans. Neutral and earth-tone accent colors emulate the local river systems, with intricate line and pattern work highlighting the local woods. The largely undeveloped, pristine water features and forest cover on the UNC Campus provide a stunning backdrop for the outdoor recreational lifestyle of the surrounding community.