la dolce vita

How a Houston designer transformed an Uptown hotel into an Italian escape

The Hotel Granduca — with its posh Uptown Park address, walled-grounds, and recently-refreshed interiors — has quietly pulled a fast one on Houstonians. While heads have been tilted toward the skyline’s mammoth new developments, the six-story Hotel Granduca has climbed the ranks of the trendiest boutique hotels around town for locals to just, well, be.

The dark-and-heavy “Texas Tuscan” architecture and decor of the hotel’s earlier days have been replaced with bright interiors, a greenhouse, library, and a European garden terrace more in rhythm with actual Italian villa aesthetics. In addition to the in-house restaurant Remi, additions such as programming like Mahjong Mondays, themed brunches, local boutique pop-ups, live music performances, daily afternoon social hours, and a newly-minted preferred partnership with Biologique Recherché and Evolve Salon have made it impossible to deny the hotel’s reignited appeal. On any given day, someone in the group chat is headed to “The Granduca.”

"Hotel Granduca presented a unique opportunity to reimagine what boutique luxury hospitality can look like in Houston," said Thomas Duncan, managing director of Transwestern Hospitality Group. “Hospitality should tell the story of the city it calls home, and our continued commitment to enhancing the property reflects a desire to create an experience that authentically captures Houston's warmth, diversity, and quiet sophistication. We are proud to offer a more intimate and personalized expression of luxury that is distinctly different from anything else available in Houston today."

Originally opened in 2006, Houston’s only all-suite hotel was ready for a bit of a spa day of its own. Houston-based luxury designer Kara Childress — known for her elegant designs and one-of-a-kind antique finds — was picked by Transwestern for this grand reimagining. The newly-completed phase I of the renovation includes the lobby, library, Remi and Bar Remi, the garden courtyard, and over 5,000-square-feet of event spaces. The 141 suites will be rejuvenated as part of phase II.

“Uptown Park is such a great, easy-to-get-to neighborhood with so many shops, and the hotel was in such need of a facelift,” explains Childress. “My hope was to make it more residential, and not so commercial like some big hotels. I think it feels good. I’m trying to transport you and make you feel like you’re in a beautiful old villa. These [Italian] families take so much pride in their homes. They never tear anything down and start over, they just keep adding to it.”

Textural layering is something Childress effortlessly does to perfection. From the bones of the building to finishing with the placement of an 18th-century bibliothèque behind the check-in desk, the new design provides a naturally-formulated progression of the eye that suggests to the viewer that the hotel has been this way all along — which is exactly the point.

Childress intends for the design to transport guests to an old Italian palazzo or monastery. Ceilings were raised and a pair of east-west doors was updated to a contemporary steel and glass combination, allowing the once dark interior space to become vibrant. Save for the doors, the space moves backwards in time. Designer-favorite Segreto Finishes replaced faux plaster paint techniques with genuine lime plaster throughout — including the elevators. Faux-limestone-printed porcelain floor tiles were replaced with genuine limestone, and 100-year-old pine floors reclaimed from a stable and installed in the restaurant all grant the hotel the genuine authenticity it had needed all along.

“We brought in a lot of authentic materials. We just gave the bones back to the building; that added a lot of character,” says Childress. “When you go to Italy, all of those hotels have been renovated from beautiful old buildings that all have that gorgeous architecture and they’re so outstanding. It’s all new, but it actually feels like it’s been there forever, because it’s all old materials. And that’s what I was hoping for. I didn’t want it to be shiny and brand new; it feels like it’s been there for a long time and it’s not too precious. The more you use and enjoy it actually adds to the age, and it just feels better.”

Bespoke furnishings blend seamlessly with the antiques throughout. A contemporary mohair sofa is fast friends with an 18th-century French walnut buffet with unlacquered brass hardware. A lobby-centered tête-à-tête dressed in a plush, tiger’s stripe silk velvet by Scalamandré, a mid-17th-century walnut-paneled cassapanca chest, and 19th-century large Louis Philippe mirror mix materials, patinas, and eras to fall perfectly into place as a beacon of Contemporary Classicism.

While the overall color story in the lobby is a wash of natural limestone and plaster tones, Childress introduces hints of terra-cotta and Mediterranean-inspired teal and blues, followed by a full commitment to color in both the more communal restaurant and library spaces.

“I want the eye to look outside and not get arrested in the entry. I used teal and terra-cotta because they lean into Tuscan colors, but I really leaned heavily into the ones in the bar,” explains Childress. “Those colors are so warm and rich. We’re wanting it to be a hotel that — obviously — people come and stay when they’re from out of town, but also just locals. It’s a great place for a burger, and the breakfast is incredible.”

Directly across from Remi and Bar Remi is the equally-moody library. A marble fireplace, Persian rugs, a c.1860 black and burl walnut Italian mirror, oil paintings, accessories, and hundreds of leather-bound books populate the space, while seating for groups and individuals makes it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and check emails or share cocktails and stories with friends and family.

Just outside, the garden courtyard serves as an al fresco dining and lounge space. The once-exposed pool fencing has been cleverly concealed with tall hedgerows that play as a backdrop to a large 18th-century horse trough repurposed into a lovely fountain. “Outdoor terrace dining is such a treat to be able to have in Houston, and that’s a really fun place to be when they have live music,” adds Childress.

The new art collection at Hotel Granduca is a mix of large-scale antique painted canvases — like the depiction of cranes in the lobby and the 18th-century Dutch painted panels behind the front desk — mixed with fun, over-the-top works by Scottish-born philanthropist and photographer David Yarrow speckled around the property. The black and white photos were chosen by Childress — from Yarrow’s La Dolce Vita series — for their playful narratives and mix of sensibilities. With names like “Bull Rider,” “The Last Supper in Texas,” and “Cowgirl,” it’s easy to see the appeal for a hotel in Houston.

“They’re all black and white, and they have a vintage feel to them, and it’s a little bit Italian and a little bit Texan,” explains Childress. “I’m kind of combining two cultures: Texas, which we are so proud of; and Italy, which we all love. They’re both friendly and convivial, and ‘nobody meets a stranger,’ which I love. So we tried to weave those two together.”

The pièce de résistance lies within the belly of Hotel Granduca. A short journey through a hallway opens up to the elevator lobby and breathtaking plaster mural by Segreto Finishes. Floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, this incredible piece reads sculptural more than anything — imagine a frieze extended down an entire wall. Childress worked with the team at Segreto to design a piece that is distinctly Texan. A large live oak tree (complete with a squirrel and snake) branches out over native flora and fauna, an armadillo, deer, birds, and even a windmill. This piece is absolutely worth seeking out when visiting the hotel.

Overall, the reimagined Hotel Granduca is a testament to how excellent design, hospitality, and thoughtful partnerships and programming can be positively transformative. So much so that a handful of live-in residents partake of the available long-term rental options. As mentioned previously, the hotel doesn’t have an on-site spa, but the new partnership with Biologique Recherché makes for an easy spa day, with full concierge-driven appointments and hotel car service.

Whether visiting from out of town or just down the street, settle in for the day, night, or even month. There is always something to do at Hotel Granduca. With the FIFA World Cup beginning soon, the hotel will offer an exclusive viewing lounge for all Houston-hosted matches, themed cocktails inspired by competing nations, and complimentary country-inspired bites for the first hour of each match.

Houston-hosted World Cup Match Dates:

June 14 | Germany vs. Curaçao | 12 pm
June 17 | Portugal vs. Congo DR | 12 pm
June 20 | Netherlands vs. Sweden | 12 pm
June 23 | Portugal vs. Uzbekistan | 12 pm
June 26 | Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia | 7 pm
June 29 | Round of 32 | 12 pm
July 4 | Round of 16 | 12 pm

Photo by Julie Soefer

Bespoke furnishings blend seamlessly with the antiques throughout.

hotels home-design

Compound Returns

Houston building's restoration balances modern touches with historic details

Courtesy of NewForm Real Estate

The 1904 Commercial National Bank building has undergone an extensive restoration by NewForm Real Estate.

An undisputed downtown darling of Houston’s early skyline shines once more, thanks to a yearslong, multimillion dollar restoration project. Chipping away a not-so-sensitive 90s renovation, the Commercial National Bank building at 917 Franklin Street has been returned to its former architectural vernacular, while simultaneously appealing to the modern gaze.

Completed in 1904, the six-story building stands at the prominent intersection of Main and Franklin streets, an area that served as the center of Houston’s financial activity from the turn of the 20th century through the Great Depression. Often regarded as the heart of early banking and commerce in Houston, the district remains one of the city’s most historically significant urban environments.

The Commercial National Bank Building is designated a City of Houston landmark and is a contributing structure within the Main Street Market Square Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is one of only two remaining structures designed by architecture firm Green and Svarz.

The restoration is a continuation of the Main & Co. development by NewForm Real Estate. Stretching from Commerce to Franklin Streets, Main & Co. includes the Raphael and Dorrance buildings at 110 and 114 Main Street — the Dorrance building being the second remaining design by Green and Svarz.

Interestingly, what sets Main & Co. apart from other developments is that the restoration of all three buildings has been a labor of love. NewForm Real Estate president Dan Zimmerman purchased the first building after a trip to New York in 2010, and the rest — as they say — is history.

“I fell in love with the building just because of its history and its charm,” Zimmerman tells CultureMap. A nightclub on the first floor paid the rent, while Zimmerman and his now wife built and occupied a third floor loft space.

“We literally lived downtown, on top of a bar, which was fun before we had kids. Over the course of that project, I got to know my neighbors, and that’s how I came to buy the other two buildings in 2016.”

During the restoration of those two buildings, Zimmerman met and “courted” the owner of the Commercial National Bank building. It took four or five years, and when it came time to sell, Zimmerman was the logical — and trusted — choice.

“It was a much lighter lift than phase one of Main & Co., which was a shell when I bought it,” he explains. “It had a lot of the bones, it just needed — I don’t want to say a facelift, because it was some pretty major work — but it wasn't a gut job, so to speak. We just brought it up to the level we did the other buildings."

Zimmerman enlisted interior designer Margaret Naeve and, together with Andres Construction, revitalized the lobby, corridors, restrooms, and first floor anchor space that is now intended as a restaurant.

"The lobby we kind of brought back to its original grandeur, with a bit more modern style. We brought in plaster workers, we brought in terrazzo workers, we brought in marble workers — we really brought it back,” Zimmerman says. “The materiality is the same, but the composition is a little different. It doesn't look like an old time capsule. In some of these restorations, they like to turn the clock back and make it look just like it did originally. In this particular instance, we wanted to make sure people knew it was modern. Because it's modern with the original stuff, to respect the original materials and use that language throughout the building."

When it came time to choose a designer to help guide the extensive restoration, Zimmerman didn’t need to look too far. Interior designer Margaret Naeve’s former M.Naeve offices at Main & Co. perfectly embodied the historically modern aesthetic he was looking to implement next door.

”Projects like this are incredibly fulfilling because you’re working with something that already has a soul and a history,” Naeve tells CultureMap. “There’s a sense of discovery that happens over time as original details begin to reveal themselves. It never felt like creating something entirely new, but rather thoughtfully editing and layering the building back into relevance in a way that still honored its character.”

The result is a fresh space that takes complete ownership of the original source material, while introducing modern elements that resist feeling forced or anachronistic. The restored brick-and-limestone façade and dramatic, curved-bay corner entrance give way to a light-drenched lobby complete with brass-inlaid terrazzo floors, restored plaster walls, dentil moldings, and a full view of the brass elevator doors.

“The lobby was my favorite part of the project because it really sets the emotional tone for the building,” says Naeve. “We wanted it to feel restrained and timeless while still bringing in a sense of warmth and atmosphere. Restoring the original plaster detailing and moldings while layering in more contemporary elements created a really beautiful tension between old and new, which is always something I’m drawn to.”

Original wood and marble flooring continue throughout most of the upstairs, where exposed brick envelops updated office suites with new lighting and audio-visual infrastructure, kitchenettes, and modern bathrooms that utilize marble countertops and unlaquered brass fixtures to partner perfectly with the restored materials seen throughout the building.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the process was uncovering original architectural details that had been hidden over decades of renovations and modifications,” says Naeve. “Those discoveries always influence the direction of the interiors because the building begins to tell you what should stay quiet, what should become more pronounced, and where restraint is more powerful than over-designing a space.”

Over the years, the Commercial National Bank building has been home to the original offices of Baker-Botts, Western Union, and — perhaps most notably — William Marsh Rice, founder of Rice University, who maintained offices on the third floor. Following his death, the first offices of Rice Institute occupied part of the sixth floor until 1926.

“Historic buildings give a city depth and memory. They tell stories through scale, materials, imperfections, and craftsmanship in a way that newer buildings often cannot,” says Naeve. “In Houston especially, where so much changes so quickly, preserving these structures creates a stronger connection to the city’s identity and allows history to remain part of everyday life.”

The restoration happily coincides with the new Main Street Promenade project that Downtown Houston+ has been preparing in time for the FIFA World Cup. Now dedicated to pedestrian and light rail, the tree-lined promenade will see the addition of enclosed patio spaces that will service the ground floor occupants of Main & Co. Current occupants include Liv Houston, Distrito Federal, Thai Cafe, and the very popular coffee shop The Fifth Vessel.

Those familiar with downtown will recognize the 7,000-square-foot mural that decorates the Main & Co. parking garage on Commerce Street. The mural, by Houston artist DUAL, titled “Produce Row,” was completed in 2018 and pays homage to Commerce Street’s history as the site of Houston’s first farmer’s market in the 1870s.

It will please art lovers to know that Main & Co.’s commitment to public art continues into the lobby of the Commercial National Bank Building. As with any project of this scale, budgets are tight, so Zimmerman borrowed works from his family’s personal collection for this project. Astute Houstonians have undoubtedly viewed some of this collection at the city’s beloved La Colombe d’Or Hotel in Montrose, which the Zimmerman family also owns.

Works by Joanna Ference and Guy Van den Bulcke receive pride-of-place, while a limited-edition Picasso print hangs in the magnificent marble stairwell just off the lobby.

“We didn’t have the budget to acquire new art, and every time I try to acquire new art, it’s kind of silly anyway because we have so much and have relationships with these artists,” explains Zimmerman. “These particular pieces we ended up finding in our private collection, and they fit, so we just hung them, and they look great. That was a collaboration with Margaret, and of course, we’d discuss everything and go back-and-forth, but we just have such a wonderful art collection that’s constantly growing and changing anyway.”

Danielle Rothchild and Thomas Metz of Stream Realty are leasing available office spaces throughout Main&Co. Street-level retail space totaling approximately 3,390 square feet, ideal for a restaurant concept, is represented by Abby Hawkins and Gideon Perritt of Rebel Retail Advisors.

Courtesy of NewForm Real Estate

The 1904 Commercial National Bank building has undergone an extensive restoration by NewForm Real Estate.

sustainability home-design architecture

la dolce vita

How a Houston designer transformed an Uptown hotel into an Italian escape

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