Historic buildings becoming stars
From Florida to California, a trend is for hotel developers to breathe new life into often defunct theatres post offices and other historic buildings, says msnbc.
Examples abound:
—Donald Trump recently announced he was converting the Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., into a 260-room luxury hotel. Originally opened in 1899, the Pennsylvania Avenue landmark is famous for its grand Romanesque design and the panoramic views from its 315-foot clock tower.
—In early January, the city of Tampa announced it had struck a deal to turn the city’s Federal Courthouse into a hotel. Vacant for more than a decade, the Beaux Arts building will feature about 130 guestrooms, said Gary Prosterman, president and CEO of DSG, part of the development team.
—The Ace Hotel chain announced it would turn the United Artists Building in downtown Los Angeles into a 180-room hotel. A classic example of Spanish Gothic architecture, the building was originally built in 1927 and houses a 1,600-seat theater opened by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and the other actors who formed United Artists
—Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants expects to open a 268-room Monaco Hotel in the 1906 Lafayette Building in downtown Philadelphia. The former office building, which has been vacant for several years, is across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
"The allure of a historic building is its grandeur, its location and its architecture," said Bruce Ford, senior vp of Lodging Econometrics.
Despite their distinct histories, all of the announced new projects share a common element that bodes well for their success, says MSNBC.
"Built in an earlier day, when city-center sites were available and affordable, they adhere to the golden rule of real estate: location, location, location," the site says.
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