Reimagining a former fire department headquarters as a boutique hotel was more than a renovation or historic preservation project – it was an opportunity to revitalize a city.
Entering the five-story Neoclassical building through a massive, arched portal, guests are transported into a story-and-a-half space that once housed fire engines. Existing glazed-brick tiles celebrate the building’s history while new finishes and lighting add modernity. A brass metal rail system reminiscent of a fireman’s pole highlights the strong architecture of the space.
A monumental custom chandelier containing hundreds of exposed-element LED lamps and hand-blown glass encircles the bar and serves as both a lighting source and an art installation. Intentionally positioned in the direct sightline of guests is a second chandelier – this one resembling an abstract smoke-inspired structure.
Guestrooms feature salvaged trim, molding, and an artistic interpretation of Fordite as a headboard inlay, while photographs of local landmarks grace the room in the form of custom wallcoverings. Hues reminiscent of 1960s automobiles punctuate the clean, modern guestroom color palette of chocolates and metallic pastels.
