The Cantio Hotel
Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Category
Lifestyle Hotel
Restaurant & Bar
LocationMuncie, IN
ServicesBrand Experience
Interiors: Bespoke
Procurement
A new cultural and hospitality anchor for Ball State University and the city of Muncie.
The Cantio is a forthcoming 97-room Tapestry Collection hotel on the Ball State University campus, connected to the university’s new Performing Arts Center. Together, they will create a destination for performance, dining, gathering and overnight stays.
More than a university hotel, The Cantio celebrates the creativity, optimism and generosity that have shaped Ball State and Muncie. Its name, identity and three food and beverage concepts transform local stories into a connected hospitality experience.
More than a university hotel, The Cantio celebrates the creativity, optimism and generosity that have shaped Ball State and Muncie. Its name, identity and three food and beverage concepts transform local stories into a connected hospitality experience.
A hotel rooted in local creative culture
Muncie’s character lives in the artists, educators, entertainers and benefactors who have contributed to the city across generations. The Cantio brings that legacy forward, welcoming prospective students and their families, alumni, visiting performers, university faculty, medical professionals and local residents.The brand is grounded in three ideas: Art and Creativity, celebrating expression as part of Muncie’s identity; Energy and Playfulness, capturing the city’s optimistic and unexpected spirit; and Community and Connection, reflecting Ball State’s traditions of education, generosity and service.
Cantio means “song” in Latin.
The name evokes Ball State’s cardinal mascot, the performances of the neighboring arts center and the enduring power of song to carry stories between generations. It gives the hotel a distinct voice while connecting it naturally to the creative life of the university and city.
An identity built around performance
The wordmark has the quiet precision of a museum identity, balanced by a distinctive accent above the final “o.” The gesture suggests a rising musical note, a voice reaching crescendo and the energy of a performance at its peak.The result is contemporary and cultured, with a sense of movement that brings the performing arts into the identity without relying on literal theatrical imagery.
Familiar red, seen differently. Ball State’s signature red is reimagined with a brighter expression, balanced by soft white and black. The combination honors the campus while feeling more artistic than academic and more expressive than traditional.
Believe You Me's
A welcoming all-day restaurant inspired by the optimism of Bob Ross and his unexpected connection to Muncie.The Joy of Painting was filmed in Muncie for nearly its entire run, making Ross a unique part of the city’s creative legacy. Believe You Me captures the warmth and approachability of that era through an elevated take on the classic all-day diner—familiar, casual and designed to feel good from morning through evening.
That spirit carries across the interior and identity. Warm woods, organic forms, botanical patterns and landscape-inspired greens bring nature into the space, while expressive typography, playful illustration and an earthy palette give the brand its cheerful personality. Together, they create an experience that feels nostalgic yet fresh, artistic yet approachable—a nod to Ross’s positive influence and the special place he holds in Muncie’s creative legacy.
Broken Record
A rooftop pizza bar celebrating bold opinions, good music and staying out late.The Broken Record is inspired by David Letterman’s time at Ball State and his student radio program, “Make It or Break It.” Listeners offered their opinions on each song, and records that failed to win them over were reportedly broken on air.
That spirit of confidence and participation comes to life in a rooftop concept centered on elevated pizza, shareable plates, cocktails and music. The interior brings a retro sensibility to the rooftop setting through warm woods, saturated color, lounge-style seating and record-inspired details, creating a space that feels nostalgic but distinctly social and current. Open-mic nights, guest voting on playlists, local DJs and potential recording experiences make it an active social venue rather than a passive hotel bar.
The identity extends that same retro-meets-now attitude through elongated typography, saturated reds and blues, mustard accents, halftone photography and a deliberately confident voice.
When you know, you know.
Beeman's Corner
Charming coffee and baked goods inspired by a beloved Ball State educator.Beeman’s Corner honors Mary Beeman, Ball State’s influential home economics educator. Her recipes and teaching legacy shape a café offering artisan coffee, homestyle baked goods and convenient grab-and-go selections.
Warm tones drawn from cookies, icing and baked goods carry across both the interiors and identity, creating a sense of homemade familiarity. Soft curves, warm woods, nostalgic patterns and café-inspired details give the space an elevated yet approachable character, while playful photography, bold color and graphic forms bring that same warmth and charm to the brand. Recipes from the Beeman archives can extend the story into guest treats, campus pop-ups and everyday rituals.
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