Queen of the Corner
Commercial Renovation | Frankfort, Kentucky
A gentle tranquility ushers you to Frankfort, Kentucky. The river winds you into the city’s streets and delivers you at the delicate wrought iron gate of The Ashbrook Hotel. Historic markers line each block, dotting the brick-built homes with an informative brass calling card. The delicately painted lady stands tall, bashfully taking her place as “Queen of the Corner”. The freshly minted structure has earned a map dot sign of her very own. Opening the doors of the once “residence of bourbon” took thoughtful consideration. While bustled and bound by the rules of historic preservation, it was the sport of contemplation and consideration to create something titillating enough to memorably confound and endear the world's most avid travelers.
The story begins with enough splash to wet the pallet, compelling those who enter with what is at first a cacophony of color, soon realized as a comforting envelope of carefully curated hues and patterns. The entry anoints you with the original brass fixture, once illuminated by gas. The chandelier was reimagined by our design team. Louisville’s own Hyland Glass created perfectly tailored bulbs to rest in the fixture with help from the Lamp Maker of St. Matthews. Original bejeweled sconces sing back-up to the grand fixture and usher those gasping inside, while still holding travel bags above the newly revived floors. The English-born Lincrusta-like wallpaper sets a tone for even the tone-deaf. Its leather-tooled texture commands tactile response.
It is the playful juxtaposition of modernity and history that will endear The Ashbrook to all who visit. Old shapes in new colors and new shapes upholstered in dapper stripes, madras plaids, and twisted florals. The simplicity of daisies dance across the damask playing perfectly with the tooled leather-like wallpaper in the entry. The shapes harness the wishes of tightly held new pennies and the earnest glimmer of a saved silver dollar. These unique details nod to the charm of Frankfort's historic downtown. Bakeries, coffee spots, and old movie marques capture and comfort while the hotel interior pushes all of your senses.
Like a modern-day love story akin to Robin Hood, our Queen has bestowed the jewels of her crown upon the craftsmen, painters, ceramicists, glassblowers, and seamstresses of the commonwealth, incorporating each detail in nuanced ways. Keeping mixed company with artful fresh from New York and the boroughs of Brooklyn, and as far as Scotland, all are invited in – taking their place to dance and dine amongst the whimsical lights and laughter-evoking libations. She is tapping on the shoulder of Kentucky’s rich bourbon and equine culture without hitting it on the nose. The Ashbrook Hotel ushers you in and steals your heart with a hearty childlike belly laugh.
Featured:
Hyland Glass, The Lamp Maker of St. Matthews, Cross Gate Gallery, Kelly Zellers, Mike Angel of Red Dog and Company, Rookwood Tile, David Searfoss, Daniel Shapiro
