Updating a Century-Old Hotel: Incorporating New Designs Into Historical Architecture

We love classic architecture and especially enjoy the thought and detail that goes into preserving history. So it was with great pleasure that we recently took on the refurbishment of the Grande Colonial hotel – La Jolla, California’s oldest original hotel. 

The hotel, which celebrated its centennial this year, was opened in 1913 as the Colonial Apartments and Hotel. Originally a white-frame structure, it was designed by famed San Diego architect Richard Requa in a classic colonial-revival style.   In 1928, a massive remodel was completed and the Requa structure was moved to the rear of the property. A four-story concrete structure added 28 apartments and 25 single hotel rooms, as well as the first sprinkler system west of the Mississippi.

In anticipation of its 100^th anniversary, we were charged with enhancing the feel of the hotel’s still intact turn-of-the-century architecture.

With this in mind, we redid all public areas, including the entrance lobby, the lobby lounge and meeting rooms of the 93-room, ocean view boutique hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of America and recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s seal of approval.

Our goal was to speak to the hotel’s colorful past by creating a strong juxtaposition of old and new. The refurbishment of a historic hotel like this certainly had its challenges. Most homes and hotels constructed before World War II were built with lath and plaster – as opposed to today’s drywall construction. Thin pieces of cedar (called lath) were nailed onto the two-by-four framing; then wet plaster was applied onto the lath in one to three applications. Changing the walls or restoring/removing the lath and plaster is a painstaking process.

We worked carefully to showcase original architecture by enhancing historic fine details – such as the classic Georgian style arches, ornate cast plaster crown moldings and lead glass windows – with modern elements. Clad in detailed millwork, the original lobby columns are now adorned with antique mirrored insets, infusing a touch of whimsy and glamour. In a nod to the Grande Colonial’s beachfront locale, we created a palette of vibrant shades of azure and Mediterranean blue and warm golds, accented with soft white, platinum and bronze. New Giallo Royale and Calcutta white polished marble flooring, inset with black Galaxy granite, accentuates fine accessories and handsome furnishings, including antique reproductions and contemporary pieces. 

We also incorporated intricate hand-stenciled ceilings, rich textured fabrics, refurbished traditional chandeliers, art commissioned from Europe, walls upholstered in crème brûlée-colored linen weave fabric with gold embroidery and vintage photography in each of the areas.

The end result? The Grand Colonial now features elegant European residential-style interiors –with a bold color palette, fine finishes and subtle contemporary nuances. Ultimately, the sophisticated new décor – which can be described as new traditional – reinforces this boutique hotel’s enduring historic appeal.

The next time you are in La Jolla, please stop by. This lovely seaside property offers a small snapshot of La Jolla’s colorful past. We would love to hear your thoughts on its new look.