Case Study: The Lorien Hotel

Editor’s Note: Historic restoration is a beneficial part of ensuring the building stays in excellent operating condition. This case study ran in sister publication and we hope our readers of MASONRY DESIGN enjoy it just as much as the readers of MASONRY did.  

Nestled in the center of Old Town Alexandria on the historic King Street, the Lorien Hotel has been a popular place to go for relaxation, special occasions or vacations. This boutique hotel opened in 2009 featuring 107 guest rooms, full-service spa, banquet and meeting rooms, and more.

The updates included new décor in the living room of the hotel and two function rooms with accommodations for up to 125 people. As well as a refresh of award-winning restaurant BRABO, according to Visit Alexandria, VA’s website. BRABO’s refreshing included a bar expansion, BRABO Tasting Room, doubling the seating area.

Telligent Masonry took on the task of rehabbing the historic out-building on the north side of the property, which is now the BRABO Tasting Room. The project consisted of traditional frame scaffolds used on all elevations, due to the near-zero property line constraints and limited access in to the site, Glenn Feldstein, Senior Project Manager at Telligent Masonry confirms.

“The masonry veneer of the hotel was completed during the winter of 2008/2009 and includes an Arriscraft base with five floors of brick work plus a detailed Arriscraft penthouse on the sixth floor,” Feldstein describes. With minimal storage space given in the main entrance of the hotel, all deliveries had to be made just in time and quickly distributed throughout the building to designated work areas to free space up.

The Lorien originally opened February 12, 2009, joining two other historic hotels in Old Town, according to the Alexandria Times website. Featuring luxurious rooms and being located just minutes away from the metropolitan area of King Street and Washington D.C.

With the project being located in charming Alexandria, VA, all materials chosen had to mirror the city’s historical look and charm, Feldstein goes on. “The design team selected Calvert brick for their distinctive wood-molded appearance along with Arriscraft to mimic the natural limestone base that is prevalent in much of the city, he explains” In addition to a detailed Arriscraft-fitted penthouse on the sixth floor.

During this restoration project Telligent Masonry overcame a few obstacles like limited access since the jobsite is located on King Street, which is a two-lane main street. This made deliveries and access very difficult, since the veneer was on this elevation. “The east elevation was built on the property line with only five feet between the adjacent building and the hotel so scaffold outriggers could not be used,” Feldstein goes on to describe. Materials had to be walked down the entire length of the building with bricklayers, laborers, and materials all on the same level, since the scaffold could only be fed from the south elevation.

The application of thin brick veneers was considered unique with numerous brick jack arches that were field-cut and assembled by Telligent Masonry. The crew then installed large sections to maintain the façade schedule. “The out-building was delicately re-pointed with Type “O” mortar due to the age and associated strength of the historic masonry components,” Feldstein confirms. This kept the charm and historic feel throughout the site.

This luxurious resort-style hotel is perfect for all travelers, whether it’s business or pleasure. Being in close proximity to downtown D.C. gives guests the opportunity to explore and experience the urban scene, according to Kimpton Hotels’ website.

Without Brad Colavecchio’s knowledge and expertise, scheduling the work and associated deliveries of over 20 subcontractors, this would not have been such a successful project, Feldstein contends. The Lorien Hotel was awarded the “World’s Best Awards DC, 2016” by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Words: Bronzella Cleveland
Photos: Telligent Masonry and Glenn Feldstein