Lexington, Kentucky, witnesses the exciting grand opening of The Manchester Hotel this week. A proud endeavor by EOP Architects in collaboration with developers Nik Feldman and Hank Morris and interior designer Jenny Bukovec, this seven-story, 125-room boutique hotel exudes an alluring mix of historic charm and contemporary luxury.
Located near the corner of Manchester Street and Oliver Lewis Way, the hotel occupies the former site of the Ashland Distillery, Lexington’s first registered bourbon distillery established in 1865. The Manchester’s red brick exterior elegantly mirrors the historic brick bourbon rick houses, reflecting a design aspiration that the hotel “looks like it’s been here forever.” Once inside, guests will be transported back in time, to an era when hotels offered more than just a place to stay. The lobby showcases intricate brickwork and multiple seating areas, aiming to create a sense of comfort and warmth. Elements of Lexington’s horse racing and bourbon heritage are subtly incorporated, with modern flourishes. Local art also has a prominent presence throughout the hotel, emphasizing a connection to the community.
At the heart of the hotel lies its bar, set to be managed by Michael Florence, a seasoned Kentucky native with decades of experience in the restaurant and bar industry. Alongside, the hotel’s 140-seat restaurant, Granddam, promises to serve elevated Appalachian specialties. Further attractions include the event space, set to host a branch of Ohio’s Mazunte restaurant this fall, and the unique indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, the Lost Palm, evoking the vibes of 1960s Florida. The top floor also boasts an extensive roof-top deck with rentable old-school cabanas.
The Manchester offers an array of room types, from those with double-bunk beds for family or group stays to five uniquely designed penthouse suites with mini kitchenettes. All rooms lack traditional phones, embracing a modern approach with all communication to be conducted via text. Feldman and Morris’s venture doesn’t stop at providing luxurious accommodation, they also aim to offer unique Bluegrass experiences such as polo lessons and bourbon tasting sessions.
The Manchester’s inauguration reflects a vibrant phase of development in Lexington’s Distillery District. The hotel’s opening aligns with significant investment into the area around the newly renovated and expanded Central Bank Center, also designed by EOP Architects in collaboration with NBBJ, promising a boom in the city’s tourism industry.
At EOP Architects, we are immensely proud to welcome The Manchester Hotel to our beautiful city, a project that skillfully bridges Lexington’s rich history with modern elegance. We believe the Manchester will not only serve as a landmark but also a vibrant hub, offering guests and locals alike an unparalleled boutique hotel experience.
Read more about The Manchester Hotel at the Herald-Leader here.
