Washington Plaza

Washington, DC

The Washington Plaza Hotel was built in 1962 and originally designed by world-renowned architect Morris Lapidus. Classic Hospitality, the owner and operator of the hotel, requested proposals from ForrestPerkins for the renovation of this significant property. For this renovation, ForrestPerkins recommended that the hotel return to its roots, channeling Lapidus' original design intent of "Too much is never enough", while introducing a fresh, modern approach to the design.

The first phase in this project included the model corridor and guestrooms. To begin the design process, ForrestPerkins researched Lapidus' work on the project and chose a design approach that incorporated some of Lapidus' more appropriate design devices, such as cheese holes, woggles, and beanpoles. These three items were then incorporated into the approach for the model rooms as a way of setting the tone for any future renovation of the guest tower and the public indoor and outdoor spaces.

ForrestPerkins designed two different color schemes for the model guest rooms. The first color scheme emulates Morris Lapidus' original design intent with sherbet and magenta hues throughout the space. Tone-on-tone "cheese hole" shapes on the wall covering, bold colors in the softgoods, and a dramatic silkscreen floral line drawing on the oversized headboard further enhance the design. The second color scheme incorporates a sophisticated palette of pumpkin and eggplant. The more predominate linear element, inspired by Lapidus' "bean pole", is strongly evident in the tone on tone carpet design, bedding fabrics, and drapery treatment. Inside each guest room, a dark expresso, one piece desk, TV armoire, and luggage unit allows for a more generous space plan. The guestroom technology has also been upgraded with a flat screen TV, multiple data and duplex outlets and bedside LED reading lights.

The corridor design introduces a "woggle" shape inspired carpet in colors of burgundy, melon, and gold. Soft, striped wall covering and custom lighting enhance the space and prepare the guests for the warm and inviting guestroom design. All guestroom and corridor artwork was created by local artists whose pieces were inspired by the early 1960's design era.

This new guestroom and corridor renovation, inspired by the Morris Lapidus design philosophy gives the property a fresh look and elevates the property, exceeding guests' expectations.