the first-floor storefront, columns, rail- ings and roof structure were recreated to match the original design found in 1880s photographs. The second, third and fourth floor plans
remained surprisingly true to the original hotel plans. The historic stairs, room configu- rations, molding details and heart pine floors were largely maintained, which helped maximize available tax credits. The interior walls, originally wood stud with wood lath and plaster finish, were in poor condition and were reworked to incorporate modern utilities. The plaster was replaced with gypsum wallboard. It was imperative to main-
tain the room configurations for income potential, though private baths and closets had to be installed. Solid-core 1 3
/8 -inch-thick doors were
maintained or replicated. Flooring in the upper levels was refinished or replicated in areas where it was missing.
Modern with Vintage Flair The biggest challenge was to effectively incorporate modern necessities, such as an electri- cal system, phone and data systems, as well as keyless entry and security systems, while maintaining the historical space plan. A basement was excavated underneath the main structure to accommodate the new electrical, mechanical and data systems. The basement addition enabled the team to maintain the original room configurations and provide much needed storage. Structural assessments were performed
prior to underpinning and construction of the new basement. Foundation piers created the perfect solution for running and housing the closed-loop mechanical water system. Variable-air-volume units in each guest room and all public spaces with individual controls were now possible
56 RETROFIT // March-April 2013
The hotel’s room configurations were maintained for income potential. However, private baths and closets were added.
MARSHALL HOUSE HOTEL! WIN A STAY AT THE
while allowing the original plan to remain unaltered. Antique bottles, keys, horseshoes, pottery and glass pieces were uncovered during the restoration and salvaged for display within
a part of the re-emergence of a piece of Savannah’s history. The extensive press coverage of the
retrofit is offering one qualified reader of the magazine a $500 gift certificate toward a stay and incidentals in the beautiful Marshall House hotel. The winner will receive a private tour of the hotel, highlighting its history, architecture, and the artifacts uncovered and donated during the hotel’s renovation. To enter, fill out the subscription card in this issue and mail it to
project resulted in George Howard, a former doorman, wanting his job back. Howard began his career at the hotel in 1943, opening doors and greeting visitors. He lost his job when the hotel closed in 1957. Since that time he worked for other hotels and the Washington-based U.S. Postal Service, but no place was home to him like the Marshall House had been. Howard once again works as a doorman at the hotel and regales visitors with tales about guests from his earlier years as a doorman at the Marshall House. He re- members salesmen, sailors and high-society clientele who had a reputation for their ability to “down their liquor.” Howard even witnessed a Boston bank robber being arrested in his hotel room by the Washington- based U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The rebirth of the grand
us. One lucky winner will be chosen and announced in the Septem- ber-October issue of the magazine. You must fill out the subscription card to win—even if you are currently receiving the magazine. (Your subscription will not be duplicated.) Questions? Contact John Riester, retrofit’s publisher, at (919) 641-6321 or
john@retrofitmagazine.com .
the new hotel. Several original iron claw-foot bathtubs were saved and reused. There was strong community support for the project, and many locals brought historic artifacts now on display in the hotel. For example, an original 1837 oil painting of Mary Marshall, photographs and furnishings were loaned or donated by area families excited to be
HISTORICAL FACT 1958:
The hotel is briefly used as a boarding house.
hotel created a sense of place again for nearly an entire city block along Broughton Street. A significant piece of Savan- nah’s heritage was infused by the restoration and the removal of blight from this important retail corridor. The accom- plishment received a Historic Savannah Foundation Preser- vation Award and a Historic
Preservation Award from The Georgia Trust, Atlanta. In addition, the revitalized structure
increased interest in Savannah’s historic district. It provided a catalyst for the re- surgence and revitalization of Broughton Street, which grows stronger every year. With its 68 charming rooms, the Marshall House today is home to a very popular local restaurant, jazz bar and gift shop. It continues to operate as a prominent qual- ity hotel, luring visitors from all over the world.
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