In Phoenix, The Egyptian Motor Hotel, which first opened in 1952 and operated for decades as the Las Palmas Inn, has been transformed into a boutique hotel with a midcentury vibe. With its large neon sign now restored, the two-story, open-air hotel features Egyptian-themed murals and other artwork.
The design by EDI International repurposed the hotel’s triangular parking lot into a 400-person live entertainment venue that includes a music stage and bar, while keeping most of the original parking spaces. The hotel’s first-floor cabana areas and second-floor balconies all have views of the stage. An onsite Mexican restaurant, Chilte, now serves as the permanent home of a former pop-up.
The Egyptian includes 48 guest rooms adorned with retro furnishings, including Bluetooth speakers that look like Marshall amplifiers, pillows resembling VHS tapes, egg chairs, Magic 8 Balls, refrigerators, and coolers. The rooms’ wallpapers take inspiration from classic drink labels. The guest rooms have a king bed or bunk bed, dinette table, and smart TVs. In one room, the names of The Doors’ songs and album titles form the face of late lead singer Jim Morrison. And a fully remodeled 1960s Airstream serves as a private guestroom.
The Egyptian Motel Hotel, which opened earlier this year, operates under Best Western’s BW Signature Collection.
On the Building Team:
Design architect and architect of record: EDI International
MEP engineer: IMEG Corp.
Structural engineer: PVE, LLC
General contractor: Western States General Contracting, LLC
Construction manager: PDL Enterprises
Related Stories
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 27, 2013
Grand Cancun to be first net-zero energy luxury eco-tourism resort
Using a marine platform concept instead of an artificial island, the development will create more space with less impact in the fragile marine ecosystem.
| Dec 20, 2013
Top healthcare sector trends for 2014 (and beyond)
Despite the lack of clarity regarding many elements of healthcare reform, there are several core tenets that will likely continue to drive transition within the healthcare industry.
| Dec 17, 2013
IBM's five tech-driven innovation predictions for the next five years [infographics]
Smart classrooms, DNA-based medical care, and wired cities are among the technology-related innovations identified by IBM researchers for the company's 5 in 5 report.
| Dec 17, 2013
CBRE's Chris Bodnar and Lee Asher named Healthcare Real Estate Executives of the Year
CBRE Group, Inc. announced today that two of its senior executives, Chris Bodnar and Lee Asher, have been named Healthcare Real Estate Executives of the Year by Healthcare Real Estate Insights.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 11, 2013
Wyndham unveils hotel prototype for its Hawthorn Suites chain
The extended-stay hotel prototype reduces development costs by 46% for franchisees and enhances the overall guest experience.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
