Washington Marriott Capitol Hill Welcomes Guests to the Nation's Capital

Photo Courtesy of Issac Masielman

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill debuts January 11, 2023, standing between Washington DC’s iconic Capitol Hill and emerging NoMa neighborhoods. “The new Washington Marriott Capitol Hill reflects the transformation of the Marriott brand, delivering imaginative design, memorable food and drink concepts, and uncompromising service that will appeal to guests and locals, delivering authentic and memorable experiences,” said Rick Sawyer, General Manager.

Located within walking distance of the US Capitol, Union Station, and the bustling Union Market neighborhood, the hotel is a true urban retreat. Situated within the newly developed NoMa Center, the hotel sits adjacent to 40,000 square feet of new retail and restaurants. Guest rooms provide workstations with high-speed internet access, as well a luxurious linens and modern amenities. There is also an expansive 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center so guests can keep up their fitness routines while away from home.

INSPIRED INNOVATION
Upon arrival, guests enter sophisticated public areas designed by award-winning, local Washington, DC-based designer, Darryl Carter. Society Commons, a social hub from day to
night, features an intimate bar and a full-service restaurant, which transitions with guests from social to business, creative, and personal activities.

The hotel’s design seeks to honor the past by capturing a spirit that is focused, determined, and efficient using crisp and streamlined architectural and decor elements that are intentional and purposeful. The materials are polished and refined, with hints of strong metals and warm woods. The style embraces the future by combining these metals and woods in fearless applications, using contemporary forms and angular shapes that are both unexpected and dramatic.

A standard across Marriott Hotels globally, the hotel’s M Club is open 24/7 as an exclusive space reserved for hotel guests who are Marriott Bonvoy Elite members. Benefits include complimentary food and beverage throughout the day such as hot breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and premium beverages, ensuring uninterrupted productivity for business travelers.

NEXT LEVEL MEETINGS
With 18,000 square feet of state-of-the-art pre-function and event space, the hotel creates connections and offers spaces that can be adapted to varied sizes and formats. The ballroom delivers uninterrupted sight lines and features 15-foot ceilings and leading-edge lighting. Designed to creatively accommodate today’s guest needs, the space is expansive enough to host 280, while customizable for intimate events. In addition to the innovative indoor meeting space, the property also boasts a stunning courtyard that delivers more than 5,000 square feet of extraordinary special event space with the nation’s skyline as a backdrop.

SAVORY DELIGHTS
An oasis in the sky, Yara is a sexy indoor/outdoor venue that includes a chef-driven restaurant, buzzing bar + lively lounge that celebrate the cuisine and spirit(s) of Latin cultures… with a twist! The menu features fresh and bold flavors, embraces seafood, shareables and unexpected flavor profiles. Inspiration comes not from any one country but offers traditional and modern takes on dishes from across Central and South America. Adding to the fun, the mixology program features creative and classic craft cocktails, incorporating fresh squeezed juices and zero-proof tonics and botanicals – perfect for a group or date night.

The hotel, developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group and Perseus TDC, an entity of Transwestern, and managed by PM Hotel Group, is the first franchised Marriott property inside Washington’s Capital Beltway.

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill is located at 175 L Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002. The hotel participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For more information about Washington Marriott Capitol Hill and to book reservations, visit www.Marriott.com/wasnn or call (202) 972-9800.

Photos Curtesy of Issac Masielman

CRE Clients Win Preservation Achievement Award from Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Photo by Matthew Williams

Every year the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia presents Preservation Achievement Awards to projects and individuals who work to promote the appreciation, protection, and appropriate use and development of the historic buildings, communities and landscapes in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

For the 2023 Preservation Achievement Awards, the Alliance honored Christina River Exchange with a Grand Jury Award for our role in the restoration of the former Security Trust and Safety Deposit Company Building at 519 N Market St in Wilmington, Delaware that is now home to a 24-room luxury boutique hotel The Quoin. The Grand Jury Awards “celebrate the highest level of achievement in historic preservation.”

The Quoin, was a $17 million historic renovation and adaptive reuse of Victorian Romanesque brownstone designed in the 1885 by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. Spanning 27,000 square feet, the hotel features a 75-seat Fireplace Cafe & Lounge, 155-seat ground floor restaurant, a lower-level cocktail lounge, and Wilmington’s first rooftop bar.

CRE Client Featured on OpenTable: 15 of the Most Beautiful Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Le Cavalier | Wilmington, DE

By Lauren McDowell for OpenTable

A restaurant with good bones can stand the test of time, and nowhere is that more true than at the brasserie Le Cavalier in Hotel Du Pont. After nearly a century of operation, the hotel restaurant underwent a carefully planned renovation that would conserve the building’s original splendor but bring in a 21st-century point of view. And so the ornate plaster ceiling, fumed oak paneling, and gilded Spanish chandeliers were lovingly brought back, in addition to what management calls the true pièce de résistance: the original, priceless terrazzo floor. A new marble bar was added to the dining room, which is filled with modernist artwork and lush velvet banquettes, where diners enjoy seasonal French menus from award-winning chef Tyler Akin created with locally sourced ingredients.

Continue Reading on OpenTable…

Image Credit: Jason Varney

CRE Celebrates Virgin Hotels New Orleans Grand Opening

On Thursday, October 8th, Christina River Exchange joined members of BPGS Construction’s hotel development team to travel to New Orleans to celebrate the city’s resilience and continued growth as an international destination with the opening of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, the most recent hotel from Sir Richard Branson’s expanding brand of lifestyle hotels.

Sir Richard arrived on property, baton in hand, accompanied by the Marching 100, St. Augustine High School’s internationally acclaimed band from nearby Lafayette Square.

Hotel owners The Buccini/Pollin Group and Virgin Hotels New Orleans presented the school with a donation to help and support with damages to the building sustained from Hurricane Ida, while Virgin Hotels Chief Executive Officer James Bermingham and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson addressed the students.

“We’re glad to be part of this community and embrace the incredible spirit of New Orleans,” said Sir Richard. “How wonderful it is to celebrate this beautiful new property and becoming part of the continued growth of one of the world’s most magical cities.”

After the marching parade arrived en masse at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Sir Richard, James Bermingham and Dave Pollin of Buccini/Pollin Group presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony that reflected Sir Richard’s dedication and commitment to the Big Easy. Students and attendees received a native magnolia tree to plant from Common Ground Relief, whose Plant a Million Trees campaign aims to help the city and Gulf Coast communities build healthy, robust coastal wetlands.

No Crescent City event is complete without music and the grand opening event delivered. Musical guests and performers including Ivan Neville and DJs Boyfriend, Logic and Jodeci Juice showcased the hotel’s fabulous dining and entertainment spaces. Performances took place throughout the property — from the ground level Shag Room and Commons Club to the 13th floor Pool Club and Dreamboat.

“Our excitement in opening Virgin Hotels New Orleans grows stronger each day that we get to witness the passion and pride New Orleanians feel for their hometown. The city’s welcoming spirit, lively entertainment and incredible culinary experiences are all things we’re excited to bring to life at our hotel,” said Bermingham.

CRE Procurement Manager Brenda Layne and Procurement Specialist Sabrina Matheson were instrumental in bringing this 225 room hotel to fruition. Please join us in congratulating the entire project team on this momentous occasion!

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The Beatrice is Ready for Opening in Providence

The Beatrice is a 47-room boutique hotel centrally located in the lively historic district in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is steps away from renowned restaurants, universities, commercial, retail, and art, and cultural institutions. Paolino Properties recently updated the historic 1887 Exchange Building creating an expansive glass atrium lobby which will serve as the check-in location for guests of The Beatrice. Also onsite will be a fitness center, two restaurants, and a rooftop bar and lounge serving guests, VIP’s and local patrons.

Hotel interiors feature modern design details to contrast with the 19th century bones of the building. Guestrooms are bathed in a color palette of neutral whites and pale grays accented by touches of pinks and pops of black and gold furniture. Luxe finishes such as herringbone floors, custom carpets, high ceilings and city views distinguish the rooms.

CRE Procurement Specialist, Zach Shope, walked us through the process of completing the FF&E package for a brand new boutique hotel in the middle of a pandemic.

How did you oversee the FF&E installation to ensure client satisfaction?

The Beatrice is a 5-floor hotel, so the installation process started on the 5th floor and worked down from there. It took roughly 3 weeks, but it was rather complicated since multiple trades were working at once. CRE had to coordinate with each trade, from the general contractors to the installers to drapery, etc., so each trade had their own space or floor to work on. It took a lot of communication with daily ownership calls to facilitate the appropriate dates and times for the install of each space.

What is the biggest challenge you faced during this project, and how did you overcome it?

The lobby chandelier is about 30 feet long and has hundreds of glass crystals. Because it is such a huge piece, it required it’s own install team with very detailed instructions.

In regards to COVID-19, it was necessary to adhere to all policies while still keeping the schedule on track. It was important to be knowledgeable of Rhode Island’s protocol. and communicate that with everyone on site in advance.

Is there anything else about the project that you’d like to mention?

One aspect of this project that I really liked was the addition of the rooftop bar to our scope. I enjoyed working on this creative space because the roof featured many coop pieces that made it unique. Overall, this project was super fun because the ownership group and design team were great to work with and always very helpful.

DoubleTree Financial District Renovation Complete

Set in the Stone Street Historic District of lower Manhattan, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York City Financial District is a beautiful downtown hotel with magnificent views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Ellis Island. Brand new guest rooms feature warm mahogany tones and rich colors. They are tastefully appointed with custom wall coverings, distinct furnishings, and baths enhanced with contemporary features.

CRE Procurement Specialist, Zach Shope, gave us a behind the scenes look into renovating an existing brand-name hotel in one of the most visited cities in the world.

Can you breakdown the FF&E installation process?

It is a 44-floor hotel, so the installation was broken down to four floors every week or two starting on the top floor. To ensure client satisfaction, I had weekly calls with the client every Thursday to discuss what’s needed for the current floors, mitigate any issue, and plan for the next week. I also regularly communicated the scheduled with the vendors, construction team, and installation team so everyone was on track.

What is the biggest challenge you faced during this project, and how did you overcome it?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery schedules were constantly changing since many of our venders for the guestrooms were from China. Unfortunately, there was not much we could do since many companies were closed for a month or two. However, we did keep in touch with everyone and planned ahead for a 2-month delay. We did our best to keep vendors motivated to meet deadlines, while also demonstrating empathy and understanding during this difficult time.

Do you have a favorite space or fixture from the project?

The artwork in the public spaces is very cool. The hotel has a very strong city-themed design, but the creative artwork and bold lighting make it unique. An artist even hand-painted the interior mural!

Is there anything else unique about the project that you found interesting?

The Lutron lighting package was very high tech and interesting. It required a lot of attention because there were many moving components, and I learned a lot about the lighting on this project through this process. The approval packages were roughly 160 pages on this project compared to 1-3 pages normally since it was a large order with many details.

Now Open: Virgin Hotels Nashville!

Featured on hospitalitynet.org

Virgin Hotels Nashville, the lifestyle hotel brand developed by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, opens Wednesday, July 1st, at 1 Music Square W. Reservations are currently being accepted and can be made directly on the hotel's website, virginhotels.com/nashville or by calling (800) 806-8080.

Ranging from 291 to 592-square feet, all Chambers (rooms) are designed to consist of two distinct spaces separated by a barn-style sliding door, complete with a peephole, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and an overall better contactless experience. The first space, "The Dressing Room", combines the hallway and a dressing area which includes a full vanity, makeup desk with well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench complete with Red Flower toiletries, and a closet for two. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter "The Lounge" with the brand's patented ergonomically designed lounge bed, a red SMEG® mini-fridge, High Definition TV, yoga mat, pedestal table and a cozy built-in window seating offers views of the Nashville skyline and Music Row. Ample outlets for smartphones, computers or other electronic devices are found in various areas of the rooms. All Chambers feature custom lighting on sensors that automatically illuminate when guests move. Additional amenities for pets are available in the Chambers. Virgin Hotels has always been committed to the health and safety of guests and the brand is taking additional measures to ensure guests feel safe throughout their time on property. With the opening of the hotel, the brand is ushering in a new standard of hospitality with the upgraded mobile app Lucy that allows guests to have a truly "touch free" experience via mobile keys, controlling lighting, thermostats and TVs, ordering room service and checking out all from their own mobile device.

Virgin Hotels Nashville offers dining and drinking options for both locals and hotel guests to enjoy. Executive Chef Patrick McEntyre oversees the culinary experiences at The Pool Club and Funny Library Coffee Shop. Located on the 14th floor of the hotel, The Pool Club boasts an indoor and outdoor bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy chef-driven food and inventive cocktails day or night. The seasonal menu features a variety of light bites, hearty entrees, fresh salads and sides. Whether it's lunch by the pool, dinner with a friend or snacks after work, The Pool Club offers a dining experience for every occasion. The beverage program highlights playful and refreshing drinks like champagne-based cocktails, boozy snow cones and a selection of local craft beer, spirits and wine. Local DJs spin soulful, laidback tunes regularly, rounding out the relaxed club experience. On the first floor of the hotel, the Funny Library Coffee Shop offers Laughing Man® coffee, the brand co-founded by actor Hugh Jackman, and a menu of grab and go items for breakfast and lunch. Commons Club, Virgin Hotels' flagship restaurant, bar and lounge, is set to debut this fall on the first floor of the hotel. Anchoring the main entrance of the hotel, Commons Club is designed to feel like a "members only" experience that's open to all. A specially curated entertainment and music program will add to the overall experience which evokes the feeling of a modern social club without dues, where both travelers and locals can enjoy.

Leading interior design firm, MARKZEFF, designed the property to be modern yet comfortable with playful elements incorporated throughout. Drawing inspiration from the Nashville region, design details are represented through the use of intricate brick, roughhewn timber, sumptuous furnishings and refined industrial elements. Nashville's rich history largely influenced the spaces, while artwork and custom furniture play a key role to create a delightful and memorable experience. Guests can find subtle nods to Nashville throughout the design like in the meeting spaces where the carpets are a modern interpretation of vintage quilts one might find in the area. More noticeably, music is celebrated from the moment patrons enter the hotel. A showstopping Music City Ensemble installation, designed by John Peralta, features a 12-piece ensemble of country music instruments - provided by some of the top manufacturers including A&F Drum Co, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Eastwood Guitars - floating weightlessly from the ceiling of the hotel lobby to welcome guests.

Developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by Virgin Hotels, the new-build property joins the city's iconic Music Row neighborhood, which is home to some of the most famous recording studios in music history, shops, restaurants and other attractions. The exterior, designed by BLUR Workshop and Nashville-based Hastings Architecture, taps into the history of the city while continuing to progress the city's wave of modern architecture.

The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day, and over 9,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space. To maximize their time on property, guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program, The Know, to unlock member rate discounts, room upgrades, exclusive dining and event offers and a complimentary cocktail hour dubbed "The Spirit Hour."

Virgin Hotels Nashville Set for May 2020 Opening in the Historic Music Row Neighborhood

Virgin Hotels has announced that reservations are now live for the brand's fourth hotel: Virgin Hotels Nashville. Reservations are currently being accepted for stays starting May 3, 2020, and can be made directly on the hotel's website, virginhotels.com/nashville or by calling (800) 806-8080.

Conveniently situated at the helm of Nashville's historic Music Row neighborhood at 1 Music Square W, Virgin Hotels Nashville will deliver a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The hotel will feature 262 Chambers, including Grand Chamber Suites, multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand's signature Commons Club, and a rooftop lounge with pool.

Ranging from 291 to 592-square feet, all guest Chambers (rooms) are uniquely designed to consist of two distinct spaces separated by a barn-style sliding door, complete with a peephole, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and playing. The first space, "The Dressing Room", combines the hallway and a dressing area which includes a full vanity, makeup desk with a well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench competed with Red Flower toiletries and a closet for two. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter "The Lounge" with the brand's patented ergonomically designed lounge bed, a red SMEG® mini-fridge stocked with street-priced comforts, High Definition TV, yoga mat, pedestal table, and a cozy built-in window seating offers views of the Nashville skyline and Music Row. Ample outlets for their smartphone, computer or other electronic devices are found in various areas of the rooms. All Chambers feature custom lighting on sensors that automatically illuminate when guests move. Additional amenities for pets will be available in the Chambers. Chambers have integrated tech capabilities including the ability to control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room services directly via the mobile app, Lucy.

Commons Club will anchor the main entrance of the hotel and is designed to feel like a "members only" experience that's open to all. A specially curated entertainment and music program will add to the overall experience which evokes the feeling of a modern social club without dues, where both travelers and locals can enjoy. The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar will be located on the 14-floor rooftop of the hotel where light bites and cocktails will be served. In addition, Virgin Hotels Nashville will feature a Funny Library Coffee Shop, located on the first level of the hotel. The coffee shop is a communal workspace that will house an assortment of whimsical and funny books and games. Funny Library Coffee Shop will pour coffee by Laughing Man®, the brand co-founded by actor Hugh Jackman. The hotel will also feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, which will be open 24 hours a day, and over 9,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space. To maximize their time on property, guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program, The Know, to unlock member rate discounts, room upgrades, exclusive dining and event offers and a complimentary cocktail hour dubbed "The Spirit Hour."

Virgin Hotels Nashville is being developed by the Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by Virgin Hotels. The new build property is located in the heart of Nashville at the corner of Division Street and Music Square W. The hotel will join the city's iconic Music Row neighborhood, which is home to some of the most famous recording studios in music history, shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

Learn more at virginhotels.com/nashville

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown Opens

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown, part of Hilton’s All Suites portfolio, is now open! Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers guests all the comforts of home, whether they are traveling for work or enjoying a well-earned getaway. With 120 new suites, the hotel provides an upscale extended stay offering at the Riverfront to serve the revitalized and growing destination within the market. 

“Wilmington’s Riverfront is quickly transforming into a tourism magnet and an economic engine for the city, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown is centrally located near top dining, shopping and business districts,” said Rick Colling, global head, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “With offerings such as spacious suites and complimentary breakfast, this hotel provides an extended-stay lodging option that both business and leisure travelers seek when visiting the area.” 

The seventh hotel in the Delaware market managed by PM Hotel Group, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers a combination of studio and one-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully-equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas, all with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the city and the Christina River. Guests are provided all the essentials needed for a smart, reliable and convenient stay including complimentary daily full hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, Wi-Fi and a grocery shopping service*. Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown also makes it easy for travelers to unwind with an outdoor kitchen and grill area, patio games, bike rentals and a 24-hour fitness center. The property offers a complimentary business center and 478 square feet of flexible space that is ideal for meetings and social events. 

Located at 820 Justison St., Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown offers guests direct access to the Wilmington Riverwalk and is convenient to dining and entertainment options throughout the city. The property is ideally situated near the local offices of some of the nation’s largest corporations and its proximity to the Chase Center on the Riverfront attracts larger convention groups. Nearby, the newly constructed 76ers Fieldhouse serves the national and regional sports market. Transportation options include the Amtrak station one mile away, serving the Northeast Corridor with regional and Acela train service, and Philadelphia International Airport 25 miles north. Free parking is on-site and a complimentary shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the property is also available. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 17 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

FF&E Installation Underway at Homewod Suites

Homewood Suites by Hilton offers all the comforts of home, whether guests stay days, months or more with fully-equipped kitchens in every suite and accommodations for up to eight people. As FF&E installation is underway at the brand new Homewood Suites on the Wilmington, DE Riverfront, we sat down with CRE’s Procurement Manager Brenda Layne to learn more about what it takes to make a home at Homewood.

Can you breakdown the installation process?
Items are first delivered to the warehouse and are later delivered to the job site by floor. For example, floor 3 will be delivered and installed one day, while floor 4 will be delivered at a later time to avoid confusion and ensure proper placement. When items are delivered to the job site, the delivery occurs in the following order:

1. Hangables - mirrors, headboards, TV panels, anything that is secured to the wall.

2. Freestanding items

3. Upholstered goods

4. Window treatments

5. Operational items - hangers, clocks, etc.

What was the biggest challenge you experienced during this project?

One challenge we ran into that was difficult in regards to budget was the current uncertainty of Chinese tariffs as many of our vendors have factories in China. It was unknown how tariffs would increase the overall budget. This caused us to evaluate a number of different variables when sourcing products to remain within budget constraints.

How did you manage to overcome this challenge?

We worked very hard to source products from other countries. When possible, we prefer to select products manufactured in the USA.

Do you have a favorite space or fixture from the project?

The lobby and outdoor areas are my favorite spaces from the project. It takes the inspiration behind the design and brings it full circle. Specifically, I enjoy the artwork in the public spaces of the hotel, which do a great job of supporting the overall concept.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans Breaks Ground

Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, marks a new milestone as Virgin Hotels breaks ground with The Buccini/Pollin Group on Virgin Hotels New Orleans. The groundbreaking ceremony marks Virgin Hotels’ seventh property, behind the current locations open in Chicago and San Francisco, the soon-to-open Virgin Hotels Dallas, and under construction Virgin Hotels Nashville, Virgin Hotels New York, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Virgin Hotels New Orleans is slated to open its doors in 2021.

“I’m incredibly happy to announce that Virgin will now have a home at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, a home for both visitors and locals alike,” said Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. “It’s going to have all the signature offerings of our hotels including the exceptional customer experience that Virgin is known for. New Orleans is a truly special city and a melting pot of cultures and traditions. We will certainly make sure to celebrate the local character of The Big Easy throughout our hotel. I’m very much looking forward to the rise of Virgin Hotels New Orleans in 2021.”

“We’ve had our eyes on New Orleans for a while, so we’re thrilled to be kicking off construction today,” commented Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal. “We were extremely diligent in ensuring we tapped the right partners to develop, design and curate the best hotel product for this extraordinary market. Today’s groundbreaking means we are one step closer to seeing our vision come to life!”

Located in the Warehouse District at 550 Baronne Street, Virgin Hotels New Orleans sits directly next to the Central Business District close to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. The property will feature over 200 chambers, multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand’s signature Commons Club and the recently announced Funny Library Coffee Shop, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym and dedicated meetings and event spaces. Virgin Hotels New Orleans will be completed by Mathes Brierre Architects, CallisonRTKL Architects, and Broadmoor Construction and will be managed by Virgin Hotels.

Local New Orleans interior design firm Logan Killen Interiors are designing the hotel to incorporate a Southern residential feel while combining colorful, tropical architectural motifs with Virgin’s signature style of fun and smart. The hotel will feel more like one’s home away from home than another city hotel. Common spaces like the lush rooftop pool deck and the Jazz Age-inspired Commons Club inspire curiosity and exploration around every turn.

To commemorate the groundbreaking, Virgin Hotels in conjunction with The Buccini/Pollin Group hosted key members of each group for an intimate ceremony. During the event, members of the Virgin Hotels development team took the first shovels to the ground at the future hotel site. Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Hotels Chief Development Officer Allie Hope offered remarks, followed by a brief press Q&A and photo opportunity. Also, on site was brand partner Laughing Man® Coffee Company offering refreshments for guests.

The brand’s second property, Virgin Hotels San Francisco, opened earlier this year in SoMa (South of Market) just steps from Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center. The brand’s first hotel, Virgin Hotels Chicago, opened in 2015. Virgin Hotels continues to explore cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Seattle, Washington DC, and London; all locations where they are pursuing hotel and office conversions and ground-up development.

ARC THE.HOTEL Transformation Complete

Historically owned by the iconic George Washington University and a pillar of the community, the transformation of the beloved GW University Inn to ARC THE.HOTEL, Washington, D.C. was thoughtfully crafted in tradition, with a lean toward the latest technology and purposeful service.

#ThoughtfullyLocal: Canopy by Hilton hotels highlight local neighborhoods through thoughtful design

Canopy by Hilton is the energizing, new hotel in the neighborhood offering simple guest-directed service, thoughtful local choices, and surprisingly comfortable spaces, so guests simply feel better going forward. Each property is designed as a natural extension of its neighborhood, with local design, food and drink, and delivers a fresh approach to hospitality and the guest experience. Canopy by Hilton is the lifestyle hotel brand of Hilton Worldwide.

We’ve had the pleasure of working on two Canopy by Hilton hotels this year, one near Washington D.C. in Bethesda North, MD and the other in Portland, OR. With only five Canopy by Hilton branches open in the United States, we are thrilled to help bring these exciting hotels to new markets.

Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C. Bethesda North

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

As the second Canopy by Hilton location in the United States, Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C. Bethesda North incorporates design staples of the Canopy by Hilton brand, including residential-style guestrooms with a locally interpreted Canopy above the bed and open closets. This is one of the first MARKZEFF-designed locations to open with interiors that fuse authentic materials, such as rough-hewn oak wood walls, concrete floors, and locally inspired artwork, furnishings, and accessories. Mark Zeff is also the firm that collaborated with Hilton’s team to initially create Canopy’s interior design ethos at the inception of the brand.

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

The entrance of the 177-room hotel features two impressive design elements: a two-story, living moss wall that from a distance looks like a map of the area and a massive chandelier draped with opaque acrylic reproductions of pages from a 1933 National Geographic Magazine. An early resident of the area, Gilbert Grosvenor (a nearby Metro stop, Grosvenor, bears his name) was the editor of that 1933 issue, dedicated to the birds of his Bethesda country home.

The feeling of the hotel lobby seating area is electric and eclectic. Its materials consist of velvet and leather, glass and wood. A combination of enveloping couches and hard surface chairs creates a comfortable cross between shabby chic and industrial. The lobby area also includes 48 colorful pop art portraits of other local notables

Floors throughout are high gloss, painted concrete with bright area rugs, and sliding barn doors define the bathroom in an homage to the area’s farming roots.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

True to theme, Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District incorporates the revitalized industrial neighborhood and its indie boutiques, art galleries, microbreweries, and green spaces throughout the hotel, designed by locally based firm ZGF Architects and New York-based interior designer MARKZEFF.

Image Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton

The 153-room hotel features industrial finishes such as hot rolled steel metal beams, brick walls and concrete floors in parts of the lobby, café & reception area. The check-in desk, as well as other furniture pieces, are fabricated by local vendors. Throw pillows throughout the hotel feature fabric from Pendleton Woolen Mills, a sixth-generation family-owned Portland business.The guest rooms also feature an interpretation of a “canopy,” which extends over the front of the bed and is made of timber resembling the Oregon state tree, a Douglas Fir, creating a direct connection to the beauty and natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest.

Even the hotel’s exterior acts as a symbolic bridge between the Pearl District’s old and new structures, thoughtfully incorporating materials that reflect and complement the neighborhood’s past and future. The oiled bronze-inspired facade of the building – which is an art installation itself – changes its golden hue in synchronicity with the passing phases of daylight. Casement windows at street level allow activities in the hotel to carry out onto the sidewalks of Glisan Street, creating outdoor seating and an inviting setting for both guests and passersby.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District’s art curator, Elizabeth Leach of Elizabeth Leach Gallery located next door to the hotel, selects works from local artists to showcase around the hotel in both the property’s permanent and rotating art collections.

Virgin Hotels coming to Nashville & New Orleans

Richard Branson brings the iconic Virgin brand into new markets around the world to shake up the status quo. Virgin Hotels is positioned as the much-needed bridge between the current landscape of lifestyle and legacy hotels. With a focus on the fantastic, the global hotel lifestyle brand combines comfort and innovation with a unique mix of cultural influences, from fashion to music and everything in between.

Once ready for business, Virgin Hotels properties will feature the brand’s charismatic and contemporary style alongside innovative functionality, ample communal space and a signature restaurant, all wrapped in an efficient, personalized experience.

Christina River Exchange is thrilled to be able to assist in bringing this new hotel experience to two locations: Nashville and New Orleans!

Virgin Hotels Nashville

Located in the historic Music Row area of the city, Virgin Hotels Nashville will deliver a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The hotel will feature 240 chambers, the brand’s take on guestrooms, which will include both “The Dressing Room” featuring a full vanity, make-up desk and well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench, and his and hers closets designed by Poliform®, and “The Lounge”, which consists of Virgin’s patented designed bed, ideal for working, recharging, wellness and playing.

Virgin Nashville will also include multiple dining and drinking outlets such as the brand's signature Commons Club, a rooftop and pool, and - fitting for Music City - a speakeasy.

The design for Virgin Nashville is inspired by local musical influences and will maintain the brand’s innovative style.

Judi Crook, Interior Designer for MARKZEFF, says “Virgin Nashville’s design fuses modern industrial with a sleek, playful, and sophisticated style, aiming to create a unique and timeless design in which guests are sure to find endless visual variety and luxurious comfort at every moment.”

Virgin Hotels Nashville is expected to open in 2019.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is situated in the city’s Warehouse District. The up-and-coming area sits directly next to the Central Business District and is home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. Similar to Nashville, the new-build hotel will feature 225 chambers, the brand’s flagship space, Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.

The hotel’s design concept is to create a unique and immersive experience for guests, mirroring the history, food and music in New Orleans. Virgin Hotels’ Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer has tapped a local design firm, Logan Killen Interiors, to bring an authentic New Orleans flair to the project.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is expected to open in 2020.