Rockville, Md. (June 7, 2017) – Jonathan Nehmer + Associates (JN+A) and HVS Design, leading Architecture, Interior Design, and Project Management firms specializing in the hospitality industry, are pleased to announce that the historic Goodwin Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut has reopened after being vacant for nearly a decade. JN+A and HVS Design provided Architecture and Interior Design services for Hartford’s only boutique hotel.
The historic property was originally built as an apartment building in the 1880s and was converted to a hotel a century later. The original ornate façade of the apartment building remains today and stands in bold contradiction to its more modern counterparts. The newly-revitalized hotel interiors feature 124 guestrooms, including several loft-style rooms, and 6 suites; over 5,000 square feet of meeting space; state-of-the-art fitness center; bar/lounge area; and Harlan Brasserie, an 80-seat bistro-inspired food and beverage outlet.
“The eight-month, multi-million dollar renovation transformed The Goodwin Hotel into a chic, dynamic experience with a unique blend of yesterday and today,” said Scott P. Rosenberg, AIA, MRICS, LEED AP, President with JN+A and principal of HVS Design. “Our talented team worked closely with ownership to create an engaging and one-of-a-kind experience for Hartford residents and visiting guests to enjoy.”
The combined design team implemented a design that is light, bright, and bold, embracing the juxtaposition of the past with the needs of today’s guest. The design incorporates historic elements of the existing building, while playing them against bright whites, graphic patterns, and whimsical accents. The end result is a design that embraces historic features with modern flair. The front desk features beautiful, directional black marble inset within a paneled, black wood jewel box enclosure that is accented with brass, metal details. A vibrant blue envelope invigorates the bar/lounge area, complimented by glowing milk glass pendants in asymmetrical styles and diverse furniture arrangements. The meeting space is enlivened with spirited, white walls accented with by dramatic charcoal detail with brass and linear crystal lighting throughout the space.
The guestroom design captures the hotel’s vintage charm while delivering the contemporary style and amenities today’s traveler desires. The color palette in the room weaves neutrals like black and white with bold color and natural elements. The warm, mahogany flooring is accented by a hexagon pattern area rug with a high-contrast, bold blue color palette. That same vivid blue is echoed across the entire tin-panel-style ceiling. The original fireplaces and built-in wooden closets were reinvented and incorporated into the modern design. The artful headboard is flanked by sconces with the illusion of floating shades.
The oversized guest bathrooms are defined by the spacious showers done in subway tile, installed in varied patterns with inset niches giving a feel of upscale luxury. The dark, wood-like tile behind the vanity adds warmth and definition to the vintage-style pattern of the flooring over hexagon-shaped tiles.
The design of the Harlan Brasserie celebrates the essence of French Style. Impeccable attention to detail combined with the simplicity of rich materials has created a warm, eclectic aesthetic with a variety of charming patterns and unexpected tones. The bar area features a vibrant jade green ceiling parallel to a patterned graphic floor tile. The back bar showcases a unique metal framed light box feature that gives off an enchanting glow, perfect to setting the tone for an evening cocktail. In the restaurant dining area, there are a variety of seating options allowing guests to create their own experience. Cozy round booths upholstered in a rich cognac leather line the windows at the street level where a see and be seen opportunity arises. Buttery yellow, velvet banquettes line the opposite wall and add an elegant warmth to the space. These features are paired with white marble table tops, black bistro chairs, and brass lighting and accessories. All set on a backdrop of crisp white walls and glossy ceilings along with white oak plank flooring, this space is the epitome of classic French charm with a modern twist
The Goodwin Hotel is owned by RMS Companies and Greenwich Hospitality.
