Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Design Architect: Architecture Experience Inc.
Architect of Record: B1 Architect
Contractor: Siska Construction Services
Project Types: Hotel, restaurant
Project Scope: Conceptual design, schematic restaurant planning, schematic landscape design, conceptual structural design, architectural design, historic preservation-rehabilitation, accessibility review
Size: 50,000 sq.ft.
Project Status: Under construction
Project Team: Matthew Ostrowski, Luis Morillo, Suja Arun, Rodrigo Jimenez
As Tampa Bay Times once stated, “In its first life, Hotel Biba was called the Mount Vernon Motor Lodge, designed by Florida architect Bedford Shumate, and is said to be among the first motor inns in the country. Built in the 1940s, the lodge consisted of two U-shaped buildings in the Bermuda Vernacular architecture.” With over 40 rooms, an outdoor pool and spacious food garden, the complex provides a suitable template for renovation.
The new version of Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach is a complete reimagining of the building and its landscaped pathways within the constraints of the preservation of its historic features. Through several iterations of schematic design for the new ownership, and renderings for historical approval, the concept takes form to solidify the hotel’s presence in the community.
The historic character is strengthened with creative retouches to all suites and common amenities. The centrally located restaurant expands into a prominent garden space with new dining options. Additional amenities are added to expand the pool area.
