LOUISVILLE, Ky. and McLEAN, Va.—Embassy Suites Hotels announced today the opening of the 304-suite Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown, an adaptive reuse hotel in the former historic Stewart’s Dry Goods Building. Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown is owned by Eric P. Bachelor and managed by Al J. Schneider Co.
Opened in 1907, the Stewart’s Dry Goods Company Building is a downtown landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Louisville, Ky. Many historic details were maintained, including a large clock that once graced the entry way. The ceiling features all original architecture that has been carefully restored. One wall of the hotel features artistic tiles of hand-sanded orchids, paying homage to The Orchid Tea Room, which was once a bustling restaurant on the sixth floor of the popular Louisville department store.
“A lot of research was done to find the right designer that could transform this beautiful historical building into a unique and edgy adaptive reuse hotel that I had envisioned. The hotel features private balconies, an expansive lobby with soaring ceiling heights, a high energy lobby bar, images of the building’s historic past, guestroom skylights, and well preserved 100-year-old architecture,” said Eric P. Bachelor, owner, Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown. “The hotel will be a catalyst for the emerging growth of the city, which is being nationally recognized, and inspire others to do the same.”
“We are so proud to bring back to life the former Stewart’s Dry Goods building,” says Charlie Olisa, general manager, Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown. “We wanted to preserve the outstanding, original turn-of-the-century commercial architecture and keep the historical details of the building intact while making sure we still offered modern amenities and conveniences Embassy Suites guests love.”
Located in the center of the Downtown Business District close to all major employers, the hotel is within walking distance of major entertainment options including 4th Street Live!, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, and the KFC Yum! Center. The hotel is situated just five miles from Louisville International Airport.
“We’re excited to expand our presence in Louisville, Kentucky, and transform this historic building into a thriving Embassy Suites hotel,” said John Rogers, global head, Embassy Suites Hotels. “Historic properties have wide-ranging appeal for both guests and developers alike and this hotel is a clear demonstration of Embassy Suites’ flexible approach to development.”
The dining experience features a fine dining seafood restaurant, Brendon’s Catch 23, which is connected to the hotel and features steak and low country options. Catch 23 also offers food at the Lobby Bar and evening room service. In addition, the hotel is within walking distance of more than 50 dining and restaurant options.
Meeting space is comprised of nine separate meeting rooms totaling 15,000 square feet with the largest room accommodating up to 350 guests in a business or social setting. A private dining room and three private atriums fit for exclusive receptions are available for up to 50 guests. In addition, four conference suites add to the space options.
