When envisioning Savannah, the image that often comes to mind is its charming cobblestone streets, draped with hanging Spanish moss and bordered by historic Georgian-style homes from the Antebellum period. However, this small, yet historically rich and ghostly harbor city, also boasts a collection of unique Moderne and Midcentury Modern high-rises nestled among its quaint park squares.
One notable postwar building is the six-story First Federal Savings & Loan Association Building on Broughton Street, designed by the architectural firm Levy and Kiley. For over six decades, this historic building has been recognized for its impeccably kept gray granite structures, white concrete outlines, and blue mosaic tiled facades. Recently transformed into the 44-room Municipal Grand Hotel by the versatile AAmp Studio, the project highlighted and even accentuated the building’s richly textured surface materials. Teaming up with local firm Ward Architecture + Preservation, they meticulously uncovered and enhanced these elements, which also inspired the subsequent non-structural renovations.
Andrew Ashey, co-founder of AAmp Studio, mentioned, “The task of converting a landmarked former bank and municipal building into a comprehensive hotel was challenging from the outset. Yet, we embraced this as a unique chance for creative design solutions that perfectly blend historical and contemporary elements.” This approach involved integrating deeply meaningful yet subtly modern finishes and curved designs.
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These modifications, while respectful, are distinctively separate from the original features. This strategy mirrors a more integrated, interpretive, and ultimately successful mode of architectural conservation, akin to the principles of the celebrated 19th-century theorist, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who advocated for the adaptation of buildings through contemporary technologies rather than mere replication.
The transition started with the redesign of the ground floor to better connect with the street. What was once an unwelcoming entrance now boasts bright lighting and a cozy lounge area, with lush new planters softening the entryway. The lobby, transformed into a double-height main hospitality area, features an extensive bar and various seating setups, all under the original blue mosaic-tiled columns.
This repeated use of materials inspired a tropical modernist flair throughout all public spaces, a nod to the local humid climate. Influences from Roberto Burle Marx’s botanical themes and Oscar Niemeyer’s organic styles are evident throughout. This venue functions around the clock, operating as a family restaurant by day and a lively bar at night, with a former bank boardroom now cleverly used as a private dining area.
Ryan Diggins, the partner and CEO of Midnight Auteur, states, “We have a profound appreciation for the all-day lobby bar, which forms the core of Midnight Auteur. We are passionate about creating an immersive, festive atmosphere that only a hotel lobby bar can truly offer.”
Additional attractions at the Municipal Grand include the secret Hot Eye cocktail lounge in the basement, adorned with dark terrazzo, richly stained wood, and red hues, and the Sun Club near the rooftop pool, which offers some of the best views in Savannah.
The guest rooms, available in five different styles, feature a more muted, sand-colored decor that still resonates with the building’s Midcentury Modern roots. Design influences from Finnish architect Alvar Aalto are unmistakable. Each room has green-toned vestibules leading to the main sleeping area, where red marble countertops double as minibars and desks, complemented by curved mirrors, wavy banquette seating suitable for remote work, and plush headboards. Detailed terrazzo flooring unifies the design, and some suites include private balconies that overlook Broughton Street.
The overall design cleverly marries responsiveness to both the original structure and its neighborhood context with sophisticated allusions to global design trends.
What: Municipal Grand
Where: Savannah, Georgia
How much: $281 per night
Design draws: A sensitively restored modernist treasure transformed into a vibrant, publicly accessible hotel with deep references to various modernist influences and local contemporary culture.
Book it: Municipal Grand
Explore more design-focused destinations virtually right here.
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