Occupying what once used to be the home of the Riggs National Bank, known as the ‘Bank of Presidents’, lies Lore Group’s latest hospitality venture, Riggs Washington DC. The iconic downtown building carries with it a rich history and has undergone a complete transformation to become the city’s newest hotel. Opening its doors in early 2020, the interiors have been ‘reimagined for the modern traveler in the city’s thriving Penn Quarter.’
The international hospitality company wanted to celebrate the legacy of the building as well as the history of the city through innovative details combined with traditional techniques. Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss ‘invoked the spirit of the former bank while preserving and restoring much of the property’s original design features.’ Upon entering, guests are greeted into the building’s original barrel-vaulted lobby where elaborate coffers adorn the hotel’s expansive ceilings.
Featuring 181 guest rooms and suites, each exudes a style reminiscent of a private safety deposit box and so pays tribute to the building’s iconic legacy. The playful nods to the building’s heritage include Italian Carrara marble bathrooms, a curated selection of furnishings and vibrant fabrics, and Terracotta orange painted walls. In collaboration with design studio Voutsa, bespoke artwork hangs in each room, adding even more character to the truly unique accommodation.
Taking cues from its historic setting, Café Riggs kept the traditional European brasserie in mind, evident through the sky-high ceilings, original architecture and contemporary takes on classic dishes. Meanwhile, the subterranean space occupied by internationally acclaimed bartender Mr. Lyan’s cocktail bar, Silver Lyan, ‘explores the rich history of cultural exchange in America.’ To top it all off, the 4,000 sq ft wraparound rooftop not only offers some of the most incredible views of the city, but also seamlessly blends interior and exterior into one.
Open as of February 2020, the latest hospitality addition to Washington is one of distinction, narrative and fastidious attention to detail. Bravo.
riggsdc.com
loregroup.com