Up until now, the small town charm of Fort Collins in Colorado might have generally been confined to locals - or at the very least friends and family of Colorado State University - but the recent overhaul of the iconic Armstrong Hotel, courtesy of Boulder-based firm Shalls Design Studio, is sure to draw in a whole new crowd.
First opened in 1923, the storied property, which is the last hotel of its era that is still in operation, now has a newly expanded lobby, refreshed Art Deco details, and an updated, eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, warm textiles and a varied material palette, which achieves a welcoming, residential feel.
A glass-fronted entrance, exposed brickwork, restored tin ceilings and an abundance of millwork, including a mercantile counter in the lobby, harks back to the city’s small town origins, while industrial-style lighting, mismatched carpets and sliding barn doors help to root the space in the present.
Nine new guestrooms, which have been carved out from pre-existing office space, now take the room count up to a cosy 45 rooms and suites, which each display an individualised flair. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant, Ace Gillett’s Lounge – a longtime local favourite – has also been revamped with new menus designed together with Death & Co. Stylish and creatively driven, the reinvigorated Armstrong Hotel reflects the energetic art scene and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to grow in Fort Collins – just an hour away from Denver.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
259 S College Ave
-
Thunderstruck: Pro-Ject Audio Systems lend their turntable tech to AC/DC’s iconic aestheticPro-Ject Audio Systems’ new limited edition AC/DC Turntable is a magnificent slice of heavy metal fandom
-
The little-known story of Welsh modernism'Cabin Crew', a new book published this spring by The Modernist, brings the spotlight to Cardiff-based practice Hird & Brooks
-
From porn to politics: Ilona Staller on Cicciolina and a life of performative seductionIlona Staller reflects on life, love and controversy upon the re-release of her book ‘Memorie’
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Granger Hotel: an intimate, maximalist charmer in San DiegoSet in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Granger Hotel is an oasis of design blending history with modernity
-
West Hollywood restaurant Somni is as comforting as it is whimsicalChef Aitor Zabala relaunches Somni, orchestrating an artful blend of textures, flavours, and techniques for dreamlike dining
-
A local’s guide to Los Angeles by defiant artist Fawn RogersOregon-born, LA-based artist Fawn Rogers gives us a personal tour of her adopted city as it hosts its sixth edition of Frieze
-
Enter Marea Beverly Hills, an Italian restaurant with Californian gustoConceptualised by Nusla Design and led by chef PJ Calapa, Marea Beverly Hills brings in a sophisticated dining party ambience to flourishing Camden Drive
-
Enchanting culinary entertainment awaits at this fine dining restaurant in Santa MonicaChef Dave Beran returns to his fine dining origins with Seline on Main Street, not far from his French-themed Pasjoli
-
New York restaurant Manuela masters the art of contemporary diningThe latest restaurant from Hauser & Wirth’s hospitality arm, Manuela offers a masterclass in nourishing connections
-
Milanese modernism meets Eastside cool at this LA pizza parlourWildcrust dishes up Neapolitan flavours courtesy of chef Miles Okabayashi, and seductive interiors by Jared Frank Studio
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
