The primary challenge of the project was how to take a series of very disparate components, built at different times, in different vocabularies and at different quality levels, and elevate them to be consistent from both an operational and a design standpoint. Additionally, although the property was known for its winery, there was not a bar in the lobby or atrium where guests could enjoy it.
The transformed lobby has become one of the most attractive hotel gathering spaces. The connection between the lobby and atrium was opened up so guest see glimpses of the 200 foot hanging glass sculpture, designed to mimic grape vines, as they step into the lobby.
The hotel restaurant is the main anchor of the atrium, with a 45-foot wood sculpture by a local artist, rising above the newly introduced hotel bar. The sculpture is an abstract interpretation of the area: the rolling foothills of the Appalachians. Banquettes, that appear to be built in, are actually movable to allow the space to be used for large events. The sports bar was rebranded and modelled after an old-world library and game room pulling the rich horse farm history of the area.
