the Vintage Suitcase boutique hotel
Senior Thesis Project, Class of 2016
The Vintage Traveler Boutique Hotel and Restaurant offers an environment for those who are attracted to calm yet lively atmospheres. With the use of sustainable and natural materials, guests are surrounded by the materials that makes up a vintage suitcase. Stunning graphics will inspire them to travel near and far.
This space allows up-and-coming artists to showcase their work. Located in the thriving West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, the restaurant and hotel is a perfect way to attract young artists and give them an opportunity to gain exposure.
Main Level Floor Plan | Hotel reception and Bar + Restaurant
Restaurant Bar
The bar and restaurant, located on the main street level of 1152 West Randolph Street, was designed with the concept of a vintage suitcase and its materiality. The design utilizes the existing matierials from the building - masonry, timber beamed ceilings, and hardwood flooring. It also features modern materials and furnishings, such as white marble, industrial furniture, and repurposed lighting fixtures.
Upon entering, the bar may be filled with various young creatives focused on their work while enjoying a house beverage. The lighting from the LED Edison bulbs emit warm tones, carrying them across the bar and into the dining areas and lounge. Materials consisting of tufted leather upholstery, repurposed wood, and rod iron with sprinkles of modern finishes bring customers back to the Retro Era.
The overall layout of the space is set up in a way to welcome visitors by having the host greet them at the door and show them to either the front lounge, the bar, a booth, or a table. The placement of the lounge plays a crucial factor in making the space welcoming because it is the first thing a customer will see when entering the restaurant. With the comfortable and homey seating, it is a pleasant environment for both introverts and extroverts.
Restaurant Lounge
The restaurant lounge is the first thing diners will see when they walk in. The decision to place this area near the front was to draw them in from the street and to give them an idea of what the restaurant's atmosphere is like.
When initially entering the space, the diners are greeted by the host or hostess. They are then seated in the center lounge section, a booth, or they may choose to head to the bar. The center lounge is sectioned off by the leather flooring which acts as an area rug. The section is then anchored by a half partition and hanging artwork, separating the lounge seating from the dining area.
Lighting fixtures above the lounge and towards the back eating area are recycled wine bottles. These add a pop of color and a nice glow to the overall space.
Seating placed on the perimeter of the restaurant are custom booths with a glass partition between each book, providing privacy to each table while still allowing light to pass through.
Hotel Lobby + Check-In
The Vintage Traveler's Lobby and Check-in area is the first impression a guest takes in. As they walk in through the polygon-shaped vestibule, they first see a hanging chandelier fixed with Edison bulbs, as well as a marble pattern on the floor.
Approaching the front desk agents, guests notice the re-purposed hardwood floor slowly start to transition to a hexagonal marble tile. The marble then leads to the re-purposed check-in table, illuminated with the marble countertops.
Behind the check-in counter, there is a wall of bookshelves that stands from floor to ceiling. One of the shelves is a secret door, giving employees access to the back of the house.
Visual elements in this space extend through the glass partition between the lobby to the bar and restaurant. Overhead, exposed timber beams from the existing building span these spaces. The light fixtures, made of cast iron piping and Edison bulbs, continue from the bar and restaurant and extend above the lobby counter.
Lower Level Floor plan
There are two banquet halls located in the lower level of the building. These two rooms have a collapsible partition to transition them into one large banquet room for larger parties and events.
Banquet Hall
Each section has a full bar with an overhead black tufted leather soffit. Since these banquet halls are located in the basement, reflective surfaces are a key finish that help the space feel larger and more open. The ceiling across this whole section is highly reflective marble tile, allowing the ceilings to appear taller as well as adding a design reflecting the theme of ‘vintage.’
Lastly, the space features a backdrop for photography made out of suitcases giving the guests a chance to capture a fun moment at their event.
Upper level floor plan
Each guest room in the hotel has slight differences from one another, consisting of their own color pallet. They all surround a quaint common area where guests can work, lounge, or socialize away from the commotions of the city. They also have access to a small gym located away from the rooms. This one keeps the original exposed brick and uses re-purposed wood for the flooring and bathroom door. The design is simple and modern, yet has an organic style.
Guest Suite
This guest room keeps the original exposed brick and uses re-purposed wood for the flooring and bathroom door. The design is simple and modern, yet has an organic style.