Annabelle Selldorf Remodels the Martha Washington Hotel

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

How did you incorporate the deeply historical aspects of the hotel into its design while still allowing it to feel fresh and modern?
It was about finding the right balance and expression for this particular location and space. We wanted generous welcoming proportions with tall ceilings. We used materials and lighting to define and differentiate spaces. For instance, lighting is used to distinguish the open spaces from one another.

Tags:

Courtesy of Chelsea Hotels, Todd Eberle

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

The large chandelier in the dining room holds that space while the bespoke glass rod pendants lead people from the entry to reception in a gentle procession. Veronica’s Bar with all ambient lighting provides a more intimate experience than the main restaurant.

Tags:

Courtesy of Selldorf Architects, Jonathan Chesley

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

What was the significance of your use of color in the design?
We stayed with a controlled palette of finishes that unify all of the spaces and create an overall sense of calm and welcome while the scale and proportions of the space in its very tall ceilings gives it some drama. The boldest use of color was the blue chevron patterned floor which provides a warm grounding and is continued upwards with the soapstone blue tile on the pizza ovens. As single elements the materials and colors are all relatively simple but taken together they build a rich narrative for the space.

Tags:

Courtesy of Selldorf Architects, Jonathan Chesley

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

How did the motto of "exclusively for everyone" (as opposed to the slogan "exclusively for women" used in the time that it was a female-only hotel) inform your design?
The building had a reputation as being a safe and appropriate place for women to stay during a very different time. What we wanted to carry forward from that in its contemporary incarnation is that it should be a very welcoming and comfortable place for everyone; informal but obviously still with some cache.

Tags:

Courtesy of Chelsea Hotels, Todd Eberle

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

What was the most challenging part of the project?
As a Landmarked building, we had strict guidelines to follow and we were always sensitive to maintain the character of the building but in a contemporary language that would be harmonious with its history. For instance, we decided early in the project to place Marta, the restaurant, right at the street with new enlarged and operable windows which would enhance visibility and connects the building with the life of the street. This required close scrutiny with Landmarks.

Tags:

Courtesy of Selldorf Architects, Jonathan Chesley

A Historic Chelsea Hotel’s Remarkable Renovation

Architect Annabelle Selldorf shares her experience designing the chic public spaces at the Martha Washington Hotel

Written by Eden Univer

Another very important thing we did was lower the main floor by about 3 feet. This allowed for a much more generous and smooth entry from East 29th Street which I think contributes greatly to the overall sense of welcome in the project.

Visit chelseahotels.com to book your stay.

Tags:

Courtesy of Chelsea Hotels, Todd Eberle