DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown

Introduction

Sometimes when history repeats itself, it adds a new twist. Case in point: The remodel of the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown at once an homage to the city’s steeped history of industrialization and enterprise, as well as an example of the most fashion-forward and modern in hospitality design.

The  Story

In 1810, Derryfield, New Hampshire was re-coined Manchester—a symbolic gesture built on the hope of modeling the town after Manchester, England, the first industrialized city in the world. The effort took hold, and this northeastern metropolis was soon home to the largest cotton mill in the world and had become renowned for production of shoes, cigars, paper, rifles, sewing machines, textile machines, fire engines, and locomotives.

In remodeling the DoubleTree’s pre-function area and ballroom, the design team of Stibler Associates sought to honor that history, both with symbol and materiality. “The renovations to the pre-function area and ballroom pay tribute to the Merrimack River and the industrial revolution,” explains Janet Harkins of Stibler. “The team looked to represent materials that were prevalent during the early 20th century in mills along the river. We utilized exposed brick and introduced oiled rubbed bronze in many features, including doors, lighting and signage.”

Materials for the space were selected for their suitability in this aesthetic endeavor as well as their durability, of utmost importance in an area as heavily trafficked as a hotel lobby. These specifications included Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam, as well as stone and carpet.

The Oxide collection in the color Nero was chosen to serve the space in a multitude of ways: to protect the columns, wrap the benches, and create a backsplash for the bar. The porcelain tile panels feature an industrial aesthetic with a shimmery, modern finish—a perfect match for the design intent. Also, thanks to the minimal grout joints required in installation, the product offers a sleek final appearance that requires virtually no maintenance and is very simple to keep clean, essential performance characteristics for a busy event space.

Oxide makes a striking contrast to the stunning, angular bronze light fixtures that feature exposed Edison bulbs and carry a distinctly industrial aesthetic, and the dramatic Brintons carpet, that carries the appearance of wide sweeps and eddies, emulating the look of a river running over rocks.