1808 West End being converted to a hotel

[bwithers1]

I like that it retains aspects of the exterior that still hark back to 60-70s architecture. It's an interesting move to go independent with the branding. Hutton is a strong nostalgic sounding name at fits the hotel well IMO.

[splash]

The architects have taken a marginally attractive, but iconic building and made it into a building with no style whatsoever. It looks like a concrete bunker. Why not play up the retro style of the building?

[barakat]

Note in the rendering that the floorplates have been maximized by extending the walls to the edge. Currently the jutting floorplate edges act as fins/shades, which give it the distinct appearance.

[memphian]

This is a cool project. I'll miss the style of the building as it is today but I think the hotel is a much better use of the property overall. I am surprised that he's getting 250 rooms in that building though. I don't recall the articles mentioning meeting spaces or a restaurant (although I must confess I only took the link on order to see the renderings).

If done well (with quality furnishings and finishes) this could be a real money-maker. A boutique hotel is always fun, if it doesn't work then someone else will buy and slap a franchise on it. Nashville wins either way.

[splash]

Driving down West End today, I was amazed to see the progress that has already been made on the rehab. All the old windows have been taken out on the first four or five floors of the building.

[smeagolsfree]

They dont seem to be waisting any time on this. I would look for construction to start on the parking garage very soon.

[nashvylle]

do you guys think that these conversions to hotels will hurt other developments such as WES and Signature Tower who are trying to use the lack of hotel rooms in Nashville as an incentive to lure loans from bank lenders? I hope not.

[smeagolsfree]

I think a lot will depend on how the economy does over the next 6 months. That is going to be the key question. If things really go south, then it will hurt everything everywhere. If Nashville is able to weather the storm as some say then there may be a delay instead of projects not happening at all.

[HopeGardensGuy]

Here's an interesting shots of the demolition, as seen from the Adelicia during their Tour. Does indeed remind the viewer of Beirut or Iraq!

[smeagolsfree]

Great perspective. I will be interested to see how this hotel stacks up against the others on West End. A new brand is going to have a hard time. You have to have name recognition.

[Hankster]

It's great to see "new life" pumped into that building. It will be interesting indeed to see how well the new hotel is received.

[titanhog]

Here is a new rendering of this project that is ion the Tennessean this morning and an article that sheds more light. A 50 million dollar project and Earl Sweenson is the architect. Rates will be up to 239 and night.

Sorry Neptune, only 3000 sq ft of retail here.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../801140334/1003

[barakat]

http://www.huttonhotel.com/

[ATLBrain]

Is it just me, or does everything about this one look like a clone of Hilton?

[memphian]

hmm... not really looking much like a Hilton to me. I definitely see the boutique in this property. It feels more urban than your typical Hilton.

[smeagolsfree]

A little more info on the parking garage for this project. The building permit for the garage has been issued for a 5 story garage. I only wish they could have worked a bit of mixed use into the garage lower levels and office space on top would have paid off in the long run with the occupancy rate on West End the way it is. At least its a surface lot that is going vertical for parking instead of more surface lots.

[jice]

The see-thru future hotel:

[ATLBrain]

Seriously, these look unchanged from the pics posted a couple of weeks ago. Have you guys seen work crews on site lately?

What about the new garage behind it? Is there any sign of construction there?

[jice]

Seriously, these look unchanged from the pics posted a couple of weeks ago. Have you guys seen work crews on site lately?

What about the new garage behind it? Is there any sign of construction there?

[smeagolsfree]

They had the street closed behind the site last week doing utility work. They are getting ready to start serious work onthe garage.

[CandyAisles]

Tower cranes are up. Project is coming along fairly quickly. I was glad to see the demo workers save the screening panels on the front of the building that faces West End. There is bound to be a good reuse for them.

[smeagolsfree]

How many cranes are up at this one? I took pictures Saturday but forgot to post those. I only saw one crane base at that time.

[Nashville_maestro]

There is just one and they are still asembling it. Its yellow and fairly tall. If west end summit would get going we would have ourselves another gultch going with all of the cranes in close proximity.

[smeagolsfree]

A few shots of the Hutton.

Even a model hotel room.

[jice]

Hutton is officially open:

High-end Hutton Hotel opens in West End

I had no idea it was going to be so eco-friendly..

The 248-room hotel uses bamboo furntiture and reclaimed wood furnishing as part of its eco-friendly mission. Developers say Hutton is the most green and sustainable hotel in the city. Lights are fluorescent and card readers disable guest room lighting when they leave the room.

The hotel recycles, conserves water, uses dual-flush toilets, biodegradable cleaning products and thermal insulation. It has an eco-friendly hybrid courtesy vehicle.