Morrison-Clark Inn: Construction Forges Ahead - Hardhat Report

Construction is bringing together the old and the new

Its been a while since I wrote about the addition and renovation going on at the Morrison Clark Inn at 11th and L Street's NW.  Things have moved along and a Fall opening of the reconfigured hotel looks likely.

 

From the street not much seems to have changed from its pre-construction state, but oh my, the changes that have been going on behind the facades of the historic buildings. The design and construction teams have been hard at work integrating the old and new, trying to be sensitive to the history of the Inn as well as the additional historic buildings, and although housing construction equipment and building materials abound, you can already get the feel for the architects vision.

So hard hat on and wearing a fluorescent vest advertising my presence, I follow my host Erin Sterling, Senior Sales Manager, through the the maze of construction activities. First stop the stable that caused such consternation when it seemed we would lose such an historic structure.

The interior of the "Stable" has been refurbished removing much of the past damage

Now set to be a 2 story guest suite, the stable has been restored, the brickwork is exceptional and much of the damage caused by years of misuse has been eradicated. (the interior wall of the stable did not sustain much damage during the collapse).

The exterior of the "Stable" renovated and rejuvinated

Above the courtyard are 6 story's of guest rooms (which are not ready for me to visit), the exterior/courtyard facing has been designed to mirror the original buildings exterior, even with only partial completion you can see that that goal has been achieved, and that the final product will be seamless to the viewer. (the old section of the interior courtyard is being restored and repainted so the effect will be of the same age as the new).

Old and new together - painting has yet to be completed

The new - 6 story's of guest rooms - will mirror the old Inn exterior

The most interesting segment (to me) is the work being done on the two existing historic structures, The Chinese Church and the adjacent  'Parsonage'. Nothing really remains of the interior of the Church, except for the entrance facade that you can see from the street. This will be the entrance lobby for the inn once completed.

Little is left of the original interior of the 'Chinese Church'

The lobby will feature walkways and stairs that will add considerable drama to the Victorian/Chinese theme and provide some interesting views of the lobby, the courtyard and (not confirmed) the Library.

A new Gym will be located on the left side of the lobby area.

The Gym will be located above the entrance arch and the lobby

As you enter the lobby, the main desk and the elevators will be on the left . The right side of the lobby, will be the Bar and  also has an entrance to the Library, which is actually the main floor of the Parsonage.

View off the lobby towards the Parsonage

Planned space for library

Here you enter an area that is pretty much original to the parsonage, and, to me, will make an incredible Library space. There is even one of the original fireplaces, which I hope they keep.

An original fireplace adds a classic touch

Overlook into the Library

Other interesting architectural details include the entrance to the courtyard from the street, this will only be open during special events, and the raised walkway between the lobby and the dining room and guest rooms.

Walkway above the Bar (see rendering above) The redbrick in the background is part of the pathway from the street.

Walkway from the lobby to the dining room, and guest rooms

Overall the design seems very much in-line with the grand style of the original inn, but modern touches will intrigue visitors. The Inn will continue to offer the unique guest experience that the Morrison Clark Inn is so famous for, and it will also be able to provide an excellent space for events, such as weddings and private parties.


My thanks again to Erin Sterling for showing me around and explaining what has and will happen, and to the Inn staff for being so gracious. You can find out more about The Morrison-Clark Inn here

Hopefully in a week or so I will be able to return and take some pictures of the courtyard, minus the construction stuff.