Trump Unveils Designs for Old Post Office

WASHINGTON—Donald J. Trump, president and chairman of The Trump Organization, as well as Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, executive vice presidents of development and acquisitions, unveiled details of Trump Hotel Collection’s plans for its $200 million redevelopment of The Old Post Office, an iconic Pennsylvania Avenue landmark in Washington, D.C.

The hotel’s design nods to America’s European heritage and its references to Romanesque elements, but from a uniquely American perspective. In the 18 months since Trump Hotel Collection was selected by the GSA as developer of the landmark, Donald and Ivanka Trump have been working alongside architects Beyer Blinder Belle, interior design consultants Hirsch Bedner Associates, and historic advisor and preservation specialists John Cullinane and Associates to realize the design.

“Americans are innovators and are always propelled forward,” added Hirsch Bedner Associates’ Betsy Hughes, who has been instrumental in designing the public areas, guestrooms and conference facilities. “The interiors are inspired by the strength of the massive 1899 Richardsonian Romanesque Revival edifice, with its carved stone and astounding level of detailing. The materials are more muscular than they would have been in France or England, and we have juxtaposed the masculinity and stateliness of the building with softer furnishings.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2014 with an expected completion in late 2015. Trump International Hotel, The Old Post Office, Washington, D.C. will pursue LEED green building certification, which provides the framework for building and operating sustainable hotels.

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Trump Hotel Collection will reinstate the 11th Street pedestrian entrance on Pennsylvania Avenue, which has been closed to vehicular traffic, and will serve as the driveway to the hotel’s canopied entrance.

“The new entrance to Trump International Hotel and The Grand Ballroom will be a distinctly new architectural composition at the end of the reinstated 11th Street,” explained Hany Hassan, partner at Beyer Blinder Belle. “Using rich materials such as backlit marble and limited mullion glass, the new entrance and canopy will be simple but elegant complements to the significant monumental presence of the historic Old Post Office building. Without touching the historic building, the new steel and glass porte cochere cantilevers in both directions, creating a glass ceiling and welcoming entry.”

Inside, the heart of the property will be The Cortile, a nine-story atrium that will function as the hotel’s gathering place, comprising the grand lobby and lounge. Sunlight will filter from above through a soft canopy of trees and illuminate this interior courtyard setting. The Cortile will be furnished in rich jewel tones – deep red, aubergine, sapphire and emerald – with gold accents and be finished with hand-woven area rugs, a water sculpture, and soaring brass and crystal chandeliers.

The ground level will also include restaurants and luxury retailers on the corners of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Broad, 15-foot-wide corridors with stone floors will ring the perimeter of the nine-story atrium, granting access to the 270 guestrooms and retaining the original wood doors, wainscoting, and detailed wall paneling. The guestrooms will average more than 600 square feet and feature 14-to-16-foot ceilings, soaring windows, existing millwork, and crystal sconces, and chandeliers. The color palette will be comprised of Federal blues, creams, and ivories, paired with soft gold and silver accents, and punctuated with deep red. The American design aesthetic will be expressed through the use of thick wool carpets, stone tops and polished wood furnishings. Mirror elements will reflect the rooms’ natural light. Five- and six-fixture bathrooms will feature six-foot tubs, wood vanities with rich marble tops, and polished brass hardware. A sophisticated guestroom art program will tell the story of The Old Post Office.

In addition, two Presidential Suites will be located in the historic former offices of the Postmaster General. At more than 3,000 square feet each, the three-bedroom suites will offer 16-foot ceilings, and views of Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall. Each suite will include original fireplaces, wood doors and moldings, and offer unique amenities such as separate dining rooms with pantry and service entry, his-and-her walk-in closets, private sauna and steam rooms, two-person showers, and direct-elevator access.

The hotel will also offer a total of 39,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the opulent 13,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom. The space will be suited for a variety of meetings, conferences, weddings and social events. Visitors will be able to enter from the historic building through its entrance on 10th street and the main entry on 11th Street.

The historic Library will also be preserved with its soaring 25-foot coffered ceiling, high arched windows, ornate columns, intricate millwork, hardwood floors, velvet draperies and hand-woven area rugs. Glass-front bookcases will line the walls, while leather club chairs and executive task chairs will exude a subtle masculinity. With an entry point off 12th Street, the 3,500-square-foot Library will serve as a junior ballroom, large boardroom, or informal meeting space.

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