The Quoin in Wilmington’s historic district was originally designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. The exterior remains untouched while its interior has undergone full redesign. The curved cellar cocktail bar is moody, with a fireplace, & lounge seating marked by bookshelves & custom murals by Reverend Michael Allen. Oriental rugs also cozy up the space. In the lobby, light beams through custom glass windows by Greg Stefan. The wood grid ceiling is made of cane, alongside plush seating, an original fireplace & custom haberdashery cabinet. The restaurant & bar features an open kitchen with wood-burning grill. Custom green tiled columns connected by art glass nod to classic banking hues & elements; oak floors were added to reflect salvaged daylight referencing the buildings original skylight; a new patio was added for outdoor dining & views of the DHS gardens. The rooftop is tucked behind the existing walls so as not to be visible from the street to preserve the historic register. A retractable awning allows for an all-season indoor/outdoor lounge. The guest rooms have original arched windows & sloped walls, custom oak herringbone floors, vintage rugs & original furniture.
Bio Stokes Architecture + Design created a place that beckons a town’s rich past while igniting its promising future by weaving vintage and modern industrial elements of New Hope’s past and present through a mix of materials and techniques. Utilizing the entirety of the plot’s irregular, narrow footprint they created visually distinct elements that fit seamlessly into the existing panorama of the historic town. The result is an impressive, multi-faceted structure with a contemporary sensibility that simultaneously feels like it’s been part of New Hope all along.
Other prizes dezeen awards 2021 - longlisted for Architecture, Hospitality Building
