Sims Patrick Studio has completed The Grady Hotel, a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that combines the industrial detailing of 1883 with modern refinement, ultimately blending Louisville’s rich history with the city’s current renaissance.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Louisville’s Market District, the new boutique hotel property has deep roots in the nation’s history. Originally built in 1883, the space’s grand opening coincided with The Industrial and Mercantile Southern Exposition, part of a series of world’s fairs showcasing the innovations of this renaissance period in America at the height of the Industrial Age. This moment represented a time of major change and innovation in the United States, perhaps best illustrated by Thomas Edison’s revolutionary five-thousand light bulb installation. The team at Sims Patrick Studio drew inspiration from the major events in this particular year in history for The Grady’s restoration.
Upon arrival at the lobby “living room,” the inviting reception area offers a unique check-in experience, featuring high ceilings and large windows, complemented by tall library shelving and a dramatic fireplace. The lobby itself features a variety of places to sit comfortably and read, work or dine as needed, with historic artifacts and artwork featured throughout. As a nod to noted former tenant the Swann-Abram Hat Company, who famously gifted custom coins to patrons as tokens of appreciation, the Sims Patrick Studio team replicated the logo on the 1930s-era tokens, creating the focal wall art displayed behind each front desk pod. But the primary focal point of the space is its prominently displayed chandelier, which features dozens of lightbulbs as a historic callback to Edison’s 5000 light display at the 1883 Expo. Utilizing a mix of bold and rich materials with rustic finishes, as well as thoughtfully integrated accent lighting, the lobby expertly blends industrial detailing with sophisticated elegance.
Moving towards the elevators, the lobby’s rustic aesthetic transitions to light and neutral as guests pass through a curated art gallery. With a selection of pieces sourced directly from local artists in collaboration with Eunoia-Modern, the gallery further ties the hotel to its locale. Guests continue on through the art gallery to the den, a cozy lounge space nestled between dark millwork and paneled walls, filled with whimsical artwork and comfortable, overstuffed furnishings to take a break and relax.
Another of The Grady’s primary attractions, the lower level bar lounge is an in-house space for guests to enjoy selected music, meet with friends for a drink, or dig into locally-inspired small plate food offerings. Named the “Wild Swann” in honor of the previous tenant’s forenamed hat company, the space features a contemporary twist on the swan theme, featuring art with feathers and wings attached to figures in place of heads (or hats). Activated by its exhibition-style kitchen and drink counters primed for socializing throughout, the bar lounge features a mixologist to prepare specialty drinks, with a 13’ high wine & bourbon cabinet signaling the depth of offerings. Purposely dark and shadowy, the bar lounge’s rough and rustic textured walls are illuminated by candlelight, with light fixtures and accessories inspired by a previous apothecary tenant creating the perfect setting for intimate gatherings. Contrasting decor elements with reflective objects and mirrors throughout offer a feel of refined sophistication while setting the stage for guests to kick back, relax and enjoy good company.
The Grady’s guestrooms were carefully crafted to provide adequate space and comfort for incoming residents. Featuring custom furnishings, casegoods and special amenities with built-in millwork, their aesthetic mixes both old and new design elements, nodding to historic details and points of interest related to Louisville. At The Grady, guests are sure to enjoy the beauty, comfort and convenience that these spaces afford.
