The Team: Padre Partners (co-owners Graham Downes and Brett Miller, also the operator) and Graham Downes Architecture (architecture and design)

The Brief: Restore and modernize the classic hotel built in 1928 that had fallen into disrepair, creating a whimsical boutique combining past and present.

The Project: The $18-million renovation was a complete gut, leaving just the vertical shell, circulation systems and many of the original ornamental details from the first floor. In February 2010, after a two-year project, the 112-room hotel reopened for the first time since 2002 with a 24-hour café, lounge, upscale restaurant, bar and meeting space.

The Focal Points: Decadent guestrooms and amenities, as the owners call them, highlight the historic property. In addition to standard rooms, there are also the whimsically named Oil Baron Suite (835 square feet, 14-foot ceilings, Jacuzzi, chic step-in rain shower with naughty and fun dual shower poles), the Farmer’s Daughter Suite (velvet walls, vintage leather furniture, 695 square feet perfect for romantic getaways) the Head Honcho Suite (private living room, 450 square feet, corner views) and the Double Duce Guestroom (two full-size beds and shower/tub ideal for families).

The Finished Product: The boutique hotel is perfect for business and leisure travelers, connecting the Spanish Colonial Revival building’s past with contemporary touches in a whimsical way. The design is layered with modern motifs using patterns and elements saturated in color and rich in texture. The Belvedere Room provides an elegant ambiance for dining, while the Brimstone Bar is a throwback to the saloons of old.

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