Keefer Hotel

Disciplines

  • Architecture
  • Historic Tax Credit Consulting

Types

  • Historic/Reuse
  • Feasibility
  • Hospitality

Location
Hillsdale, MI

Size
35,400SF

a historic hotel returns to its roots
GWA Dots
The historic Keefer Hotel was a social center for Hillsdale and many public and private functions were held there after its construction in 1864. Several well-known guests graced the halls of the hotel including Annie Oakley, John Ringling, and “Buffalo Bill” Cody. To date, the building serves as one of the most historically intact buildings Studio GWA has had the pleasure to work on.
Historic preservation design - Keefer Hotel

a new site of activity for visitors
and residents alike

Studio GWA is working with the owner to breathe new life back into this historic hotel for a luxury boutique experience with 34 rooms. A significant amount of original detailing remains including mosaic tile flooring, tin ceilings, and decorated columns. Modern standards in hotels rooms have changed since 1885 and the team has approached this design challenge by expanding room sizes while maintaining the character, sensitively inserting an elevator for accessibility, and providing main entries at both the front and rear of the building.

a sensitive approach to design to meet modern hotel guests’ expectations

Hotel Keefer will serve as more than just a place to rest a weary head. The redevelopment of the property includes a bar, full-service restaurant, community space, and first floor retailers within its storefront spaces. It is an opportunity for a unique experience in Hillsdale for visitors as well as its residents.

related projects

Rockford Public Library

Rockford, IL

Architecture

The main branch of the Rockford Public Library has been located along the banks of the Rock River since 1902. Prior to the library’s construction the property was used as a gasification site. In order to remediate the site, the existing 88,000 SF structure needed to be removed, which entailed an extensive analysis of current and future needs as well as possible temporary and new locations for the main library.

Main Office Architecture - Wahl Clipper

Wahl Clipper Corporate Headquarters

Sterling, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

Wahl Clipper Corporation is a world leader in professional and home grooming devices. Founded in Sterling, Illinois over one hundred years ago, the company wanted to develop a new corporate headquarters building that could better respond to an increasing global demand for its products.

Garrison School Lofts

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design, Development Services

Located in Rockford’s historic Signal Hill neighborhood, the Garrison School Lofts & Townhomes are a shining example of how historic preservation and new construction can be stitched together within a traditional neighborhood fabric.