Hotel Biba was originally called the Mount Vernon Motor Lodge, which was designed by Florida architect Bedford Shumate. It was said to be among the first motor inns in the country. The lodge consisted of two U-shaped buildings in the Bermuda Vernacular architecture as noted by Tampa Bay Times. 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 reconceptualization of the existing buildings built in 1938, while respecting the historic preservation board’s requirements to protect the most important architectural features from the street.
Through several iterations of schematic design for the new ownership, and renderings for historical approval, the concept takes form to solidify the hotel’s newly distinguished presence in the El Cid neighborhood and West Palm Beach community.
Our design strengthens the hotel’s historic character with creative retouches to all suites, management areas and common amenities. The new restaurant expands within the central lobby building, nestled behind a lively new outdoor dining and social green spanning between two new open-air bar and grille pavilions. This social scene is connected to the remaining hotel areas and boulevard via palm shrouded garden pathways. Additional hospitality amenities are added to expand the pool area, with a new second floor viewing deck over renovated suites and exercise rooms.
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: Construction
Project Team: Matthew Ostrowski, Luis Morillo, Suja Arun, Rodrigo Jimenez