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New Suites at the Hotel Jerome respond to and highlight the existing structure
The restoration and repurposing of the historic 1904 Aspen Times building brings Bad Harriet speakeasy and entertainment venue
ASPEN, CO — November 20, 2018 — Rowland+Broughton Architecture / Urban Design / Interior Design is proud to announce that we have recently completed an important, two-fold addition and restoration project at the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen. The project includes: the addition of a multiple-suite and gathering place that responds to and highlights the existing structure; and the restoration and repurposing of the adjacent, historic 1904 Aspen Times building as a speakeasy and entertainment venue.
A true Aspen landmark built in 1889, Hotel Jerome’s stately brick façade set the challenge of designing an addition that responded to and highlighted the existing structure in style and demeanor. The restoration and repurposing of the adjacent historic 1904 Aspen Times building as a speakeasy and entertainment venue meant respecting and enhancing its informal, historic wood façade. In addition, redesigning a central garden courtyard encompassing a pool and providing outdoor restaurant seating, presented additional challenges.
Designed as an extension of the courtyard, the new three-story Suites building features cedar siding specially stained to complement the red brick siding of the existing hotel. An informal, Accoya hardwood screen on the façade functions as a vertical garden trellis, meant to encourage the courtyard and to grow up the building. Interior palette, millwork, finishes and furnishings take their cue from the original hotel, for which R+B completed a full interior renovation in 2012.
The restoration of the historic Aspen Times Building provides a timeless addition to the Hotel Jerome. Extraneous exterior additions were removed, and a steel super-structure was installed to allow the original building to once again stand on its own. Original wood siding was preserved and re-detailed. Historic windows once hidden or removed were replaced with new wood windows. A new metal roof was added to reflect the historic vernacular. A new sliding barn door system was added to the original garden-facing wall to create permeability or enclosure as needed. Interior architectural design for the speakeasy, called Bad Harriet, was inspired by the Victorian period in which the building was constructed. In collaboration with TAL Studio, interior spaces feature complementary yet relevant materials and detailing, including mirrored wall panels with polished accents, Bruna Terra Leather stone bar top and painted wood trim.
Renovations to the courtyard area, which previously turned its back on the Aspen Times Building, included raising the interior portion to improve accessibility and repositioning the pool. Now offering a 360-degree experience, including improved connectivity to Main Street, the courtyard has become locally known as “Aspen’s Front Yard.”
Overall, the interior program of the project includes eight hotel suites, a speakeasy bar, two meeting spaces, two catering kitchens, two means of egress, an elevator and stairways. Services provided included Architecture and Interior Architecture, with Interior Design by TAL Studio.
About the completed project, Hotel Jerome General Manager Tony DiLucia notes, “Over my 30-year tenure at Hotel Jerome, the hotel has been thoughtfully reinvented while remaining loyal to its revered history and authentic character. Working with the team at Rowland+Broughton once again has ensured that this latest expansion and renovation will continue to honor its legacy, while enticing and accommodating new generations of guests. R+B’s appreciation of and sensitivity toward historical preservation is exemplary, as are their design skills and professionalism. I’m certain our new spaces will be a welcome and exciting addition to the place we all hold so dear.”
Rowland+Broughton Principal Sarah Broughton, AIA, adds, “We are honored to once again be a part of Hotel Jerome’s continuing evolution and legacy. Adding to our participation in the interior renovation in 2012, our work on the recent addition of the hotel Suites and repurposing of The Aspen Times building is In line with R+B’s fundamental belief in historic preservation and the creation of timeless architecture. Working with General Manager Tony DiLucia and his team and experiencing their dedication to continually improve is always inspiring. We look forward to collaborating well into the future.”
About Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort
Aspen’s crown jewel since 1889, Hotel Jerome is surrounded by the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains in the heart of Aspen, Colorado. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel features 99 rooms, suites and residences offering stunning mountain views. The rooms offer a soulful, Western authenticity with historically inspired furnishings, updated bathrooms, and modern-day necessities including high-speed Internet access. Amenities include Prospect Restaurant, the historic J-Bar, the Living Room, the new Bad Harriet bar, the Emerald Garden and Pool Terrace and the Auberge Spa.