Built in 1882, the Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke has long been a gem of the city’s quaint and bustling downtown. Part of the Hilton Curio Collection, this property has historical ties to the Virginia Tech Foundation and the City of Roanoke and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So when talk of renovation began, there was an understanding that changes were needed to provide guests with contemporary comforts while celebrating the historical significance of the property. The hotel soon brought HSM on board to help achieve this exciting and momentous task.

Working with hotel ownership, designers and suppliers, HSM procured furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for the “1882 Lobby Bar” renovation. This piece of the project included multiple commodities, including custom upholstered softgoods, custom casegoods, custom mirrors, light fixtures, patio furniture and custom drapery. Leveraging its purchasing power, HSM was able to secure incredibly aggressive pricing while ensuring the integrity of the design which in the end provided significant cost savings.

In addition to sourcing products and securing savings, HSM offered value in managing the process to the property team by providing tracking and support. With daily monitoring, HSM managed all orders to ensure that they were placed on-time, approved by the customer and delivered without any surprises. HSM also provided pre- and post-delivery support, presented the owner with weekly summaries and was available for all questions that arose throughout the project.

Translating the design of the “1882 Lobby Bar” for an incredible re-opening, HSM successfully delivered cost savings that exceeded expectations by leveraging their hospitality supplier relationships. The project was completed on time and under budget and successfully achieved the desired balance of history and modernity. With beautiful millwork and a metal canopy, the space reminds guests of a 19th century railway ticket station. The ceiling is painted to resemble a night sky from that era, and the locally sourced cocktails and dishes bear names from days gone by.

Hilton Supply Management’s FF&E Project Procurement team was honored to be a part of this project, which helped to restore a legendary property that makes a significant impact on the city of Roanoke and is special to both local residents and visiting guests.

Curious to see how the project looks today? Take a video tour here.