Commercial Architecture April 2017 - 44

PROJECT

plumbing

The Renwick hotel emerged
from the renovation of an old
building that housed famous
artists and authors.
Inset. For the best guest
experience, Stonehill &
Taylor designers selected a
luxurious multifunction rain
showerhead that delivers
relaxing waterflow. It is complemented by a serene, fashion-forward personal-shower
set and a sleek hand shower.

Bathrooms Highlight
Hotel Renovation
A complete renovation of a 1928 building resulted in The Renwick Hotel and
recreated the days when famous artists and authors inhabited the structure.

want to go places and see people. I want my mind

on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, The Renwick is a prod-

To that end, The Renwick spotlights functional art

to grow. I want to live where things happen on a

uct of a partnership between Interstate Hotels & Resorts,

sourced from 19 local New York artists who were tapped

big scale." That was the dream of F. Scott Fitzger-

Arlington, VA; hotel Asset Value Enhancement (ho-

to create exclusive pieces for the hotel. Interestingly,

ald, one-time resident of what is now The Renwick Hotel

telAVE), Providence, RI; and Meadow Partners, a New

there is no framed art.

in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Were he to return

York City-based real-estate investor and asset manager.

The hotel commissioned Brooklyn-born rising artist

today to the quaint, brick building, built in 1928 as a res-

They engaged Stonehill & Taylor to deliver a fresh, new

and "doodler" Gregory Siff, who splits his time between

idence for artists, intellectuals, and authors, Fitzgerald

focus on whimsical luxury with a modernistic approach

Los Angeles and New York, to paint the lobby mural.

could do all that and more.

designed for business travelers and leisure seekers.

Known for a graffiti-like style that blurs the lines be-

The creative spirits of Fitzgerald and other resident

"We utilized the hotel's rich artistic legacy as a

tween Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Street Art,

art icons and literary legends, such as John Steinbeck

springboard for the design concept," said Kim Edwards,

Siff 's work at The Renwick is, at once, emotional, imme-

and Thomas Mann, live on in the new Renwick, thanks

senior designer, Stonehill & Taylor. The firm wanted to

diate, and personal-a nod to the creative and conceptu-

to a thoughtful and fun design by Stonehill & Taylor

recall the artistry of the 1920s but filter it through a

al thoughts of an artist at work.

Architects, New York City.

modern lens. The genesis was the emerging modernism

That creative spirit flows through to the property's

of that era, especially influenced by abstract expression-

173 loft-style guestrooms and suites. "We sought to cre-

ism, Italian futurism, and Constructivism.

ate guestrooms with an inviting, residential feel that

Named for James Renwick, Jr., the acclaimed architect best known for his design of St. Patrick's Cathedral
44

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

APRIL 2017

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2017