If a design team was ever out looking for an easy brief, the one Selldorf Architects got for the revamp of the Martha Washington in New York’s NoMad district wasn’t it. Not only was there a ton of history to respect—the 265-key hotel formerly served only women and guests included Elenor Roosevelt, but there was one more famous lady to consider—the building itself. Any design had to not only play with but play up the Renaissance Revival styling of the 1905 building. But, the look still had to be impeccably contemporary.
Annebelle Selldorf and her team decided to take the less-is-more approach and let the building do the talking. Yes, the terrazzo flooring is still there, but it’s illuminated by spare, geometric lights. Round shapes give the entry lights a transitional feel, while the ones in the hotel’s restaurant, Marta, take an even barer approach. Details like fluted columns get a modern update by being set against bright white walls.
Starting in February, the hotel will also feature extensive meeting spaces with a ballroom that seats up to 200 guests. An outdoor terrace will finish off the event spaces.
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