Hotel Forty Five

After its expansion, the “golden brick high-rise” was considered the tallest building between New York and Miami after the Great Depression. The since-abandoned, 11-story structure is refreshed and converted into a Tribute Collection hotel under the Marriott flag as a unique adaptive reuse project.

To maintain the history and nostalgic feel of the structure, key features including the original bank vault, terrazzo floors, and marble components throughout the building are preserved.

Built on a hill and designed to blend with the surrounding landscape, the hotel’s multiple levels and sections were originally constructed independently. To improve connectivity, the team joined the 1920s and 1940s buildings at the first floor, linking the kitchen with service and receiving areas. A new elevator also provides housekeeping access between the upper floors and receiving area.

Other ramps and stairs were retrofitted for ADA compliance and accessibility to new amenity spaces.

The renovation includes the addition of 94 guest rooms, a penthouse, rooftop bar, fitness center, restaurant, and event and meeting space. An additional restaurant and bar are constructed right off the lobby on the first floor, complete with outdoor seating close to Government Center. Exterior windows are removed and salvaged from the building before reinstallation, and revitalized hardscapes and landscapes enhance the surrounding area.

Customized millwork adorns the restaurants and bars, and modernized fixtures bring the historic building into the 21st century.