design-phan

To truly achieve world-class city status, a metropolis needs at least a handful of sophisticated boutique hotels. Philly's getting another when the Hotel Palomar opens mid-October. I had a chance to tour the refurbished Architects Building by Paul Cret at 17th and Sansom, where the hotel and restaurant reside, earlier this week so I snapped some pics:

Part of the brand identity of the Kimpton's Palomar hotels is "Art in Motion." In this Palomar, much of the art has to do with either Philadelphia or architecture. The blown-up scribblings behind the reception desk are the scribblings of two different architects. There are a few Philadelphia artists represented in the hotel, including Whitney Babin and Kimberly Brickley, but in a city so rich with talented artists, there could certainly be more.

Good old Ben has his place, as he should, keeping six watchful eyes on guests as they check in and out. Perhaps he's thinking of a penny saved ... rooms start at $159 and climb way up to $2,500/night for the presidential suite. 

Artist Donna Czapiga will periodically refresh the drawings (chalkings?) on the chalkboard wall in the restaurant's lounge area. The restaurant, Square 1682 (named for the year William Penn issued his plan for this green country towne) is located on the former site of the AIA Bookstore, so it's impossible not to look at the wine storage area and think, oh, that's where the children's section used to be....

Speaking of presidential suites, that $2,500 a night buys you access to a stunner of a bathroom. This is just one small part of it — there's also an enormous wet room with an elevated tub. That dark square in the mirror above the sinks is a television. You know, in case you're afraid you might miss a minute of Mad Men.

And, fittingly, the view from the presidential suite is a bird's eye of the skyline and of some choice Philadelphia architecture. That patch of green in the distance in the top photo is Rittenhouse Square. In the bottom photo, you can spot the signage for Continental Midtown if you look closely.

The Morristown, N.J. office of Gensler and California-based Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studio restored many Art Deco elements, including brass motifs on the facade, original crown moulding and paneling in the architects' library, and one highly unique elevator bank. It's the greenest Kimpton — they're shooting for silver LEED certification. 

Oh! And I almost forgot two very important elements: bedding by Frette and bath amenities by L'Occitane. Welcome, Palomar. If you're looking for more local artists, check out Inliquid.