The Hotel Ulysses adaptive reuse and renovation project received a 2023 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Wave Maker Award from ULI Baltimore. This is an annual recognition given by the ULI Baltimore District Council that aims to honor individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the built environment in the Baltimore region.
The WaveMaker award recognizes innovative projects, initiatives, or policies that have positively impacted the community, promoted sustainable development, and improved the quality of life for residents. This accolade holds great significance as it highlights and celebrates the efforts of those who have played a crucial role in shaping the urban landscape of Baltimore and fostering positive change.
The project completed in 2022 and has been operating for nearly a year. Quinn Evans served as project architect and worked with ASH, the project developer, and consultants STV, Burdette, Koehler, Murphy & Associates, and Mincin Patel Milano. ASH invested over $30 million in the renovation of the hotel, utilizing federal historic tax credits and PACE financing. Hotel Ulysses, whose name references the ship that brought Bavarian immigrants to Baltimore at the turn of the century, is in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood in the 1912 Latrobe Building, originally designed as apartments for bachelors. The hotel’s design is inspired by a traveler returning to Baltimore from a Grand Tour, with various souvenirs and eccentricities incorporated into the enhanced space.
The hotel has had a significant impact on the surrounding area, transforming it from a largely empty and inactive daytime space to a vibrant 24/7 destination. It has also garnered national and international recognition through promotional campaigns, helping to improve the perception of Baltimore. The hotel's interior design draws inspiration from Art Deco movie palaces, the work of John Waters, ancient temples, and the color-blocked patterns seen from a moving train. The common spaces and guest rooms are designed with a mix of design elements from India, Italy, and Turkey, creating a unique and visually captivating aesthetic. The hotel also prioritizes sustainability, utilizing high-efficiency systems and hiring locally for construction and staff positions. Overall, Ulysses is a testament to the history and creativity of Baltimore, providing a unique and immersive experience for guests.
See the full list of award winners here.
