EOP Architects | Hospitality

Hospitality

EOP is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm with offices in both Lexington and Louisville. EOP has completed projects throughout Kentucky, in over 30 states, and China.

At EOP Architects, we’re fueled by a passion for designing environments that inspire and enhance. Our focus extends beyond functionality, to create hospitality spaces that are equally beautiful and practical. Driven by our profound desire to shape experiences, we believe in the power of design to transform spaces, inspire individuals, and bring people together. Design is not only what we do, it is our vehicle to inspire, to push boundaries, and to make a lasting impact on all who step into our spaces. We’re excited to present these projects which reflect our commitment to designing exceptional hospitality projects.

Each of our projects reflect our values of innovation, creativity, and responsibility. These projects exemplify our expertise in designing hospitality spaces that effectively balance aesthetics, functionality, and user satisfaction. By understanding and addressing the unique requirements of each client, we ensure the success of our projects.

We invite you to explore the distinctive projects that define EOP Architects’ hospitality work. As you learn about the stories behind each project, we hope that you will gain insight into our approach and develop a sense of confidence in our ability to deliver.

1981

Firm Founded in Lexington

40+ Award Winning Projects

85% Repeat Client Business

The owners of 3Forty wanted to convert their mid-century modern building, built in 1960, from an office building into upscale, short-term rentals. Aiming for a clientele of jockeys, horse owners and enthusiasts, and visitors to Lexington, 3Forty embodies the spirit of southern hospitality with rustic subtlety.

The building is situated in the heart of downtown, a walkable distance from countless restaurants, watering holes, and Rupp Arena—an important feature to the owners who encourage guests to explore on foot.

3Forty features six suites, featuring either one or two bedrooms, centered on an open plan kitchen and living room, creating an ideal entertaining environment that encourages socialization. Wood flooring is locally sourced from tobacco barns and horse fence planking, bringing an unreplicable genuine charm and warmth to the space.

In the corridors, blackened wood much like charred oak barrels hearkens back to the story of bourbon in the Bluegrass. All of the photography adorning the walls is licensed by Keeneland’s photographer and can only be seen at 3Forty. The photos feature the epitome of the Kentucky landscape with rolling hills, pastures, horse culture, and racing scenes.

Lexington, KY

10,300 SF

Status Completed 2022

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Design

Team Leadership

Client Reference Lisa, Walker, The Walker Company, (859) 498-0092

Project Budget

$4,090,000

The Manchester Hotel

Inspired by Kentucky’s historic architecture and the glamour of extravagant Derby parties that Lexington is known for, The Manchester captures the charm of equestrian society. The 125-room hotel is the first major new construction in Lexington’s historic Distillery District in nearly 100 years. Featuring a lobby bar and a high-end restaurant on the ground level and a rooftop bar with open terrace on the seventh floor, the building captures the social nature of historic hotels and takes it to a new level.

The brick exterior consists of two brick colors a dark red base at the ground level, and a lighter brick as the upper mass. The darker brick is also included as a vertical mass at elevators, referencing the vintage smokestacks common at historic Kentucky distilleries. The façades feature multiple panels of intricate brick patterning and corbeling at windows and doors. These create intricate shadowing patterns that change constantly throughout the day as the sun moves across the building. Arched windows extend above to the second floor to create dramatic height at the building base. Large 8’foot windows at each of the guest rooms include traditional mullions and provide optimal viewing of downtown Lexington and the new Town Branch Park. A trellis covered alley terrace, located between the existing neighboring one-story structure, provides additional outdoor dining space.

Lexington, KY

70,000 SF Status Completed 2023

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Client Reference

Hank Morris, Owner, New Circle Investments (502) 592-8593

Project Budget $39,000,000

Elwood Hotel & Suites

The Elwood Hotel, designed by EOP, has introduced a fresh, contemporary boutique hotel experience to Lexington, Kentucky. This transformation was achieved through an extensive renovation of a previously outdated 65-room hotel. The revamped Elwood now boasts a vibrant restaurant and bar, a welcoming “front porch,” a fitness room, and a range of other modern amenities.

During the renovation, EOP made significant changes to enhance the hotel’s appeal. These updates included relocating the entrance and lobby from a concealed side, constructing the porch, and adding the restaurant, bar, and kitchen facilities. Additionally, the hotel now offers ADA-compliant guest rooms, rejuvenated corridors, and refurbished guest rooms. Other improvements encompass the replacement of windows and doors, along with a fresh coat of paint on the building’s exterior. EOP was also responsible for the design and procurement of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) throughout the hotel.

Lexington, KY

51,000 SF

Status Completed 2021

Services Provided Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference

Hilda Delgado & David

Bader, Owners

(323) 350-9333

Project Budget

$3,200,000 (renovation cost)

Woodford Reserve Welcome Center

EOP designed the new Woodford Reserve Welcome Center to give the brand’s homeplace a welcoming starting point for tours. Tourists, and there are more and more every day, pick up tickets and then gather in a roomy area with leather sofas, paintings by Kentucky artists, and handcrafted decor that hints at whiskey’s origins.

The project was an addition and renovation of an existing house on the property across the road from the visitor’s center. The Welcome Center relieves the bottleneck of tourists and distillery workers that can occur at peak times when the distillery gets 1,400 visitors a day.

The Welcome Center, which has porches overlooking nearby horse farms as well as the picturesque distillery itself, can also be used as a venue for parties and events with space for about 100 guests. The bar in the welcome center features crystal glasses and lighting from Baccarat, a Brown-Forman partner.

Versailles, KY

5,000 SF Status Completed 2019 Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design

Team Leadership

Client Reference

Shawn Hadley, BrownForman, (502) 585-1100

Project Budget $2,100,000

The Apiary Fine Catering & Events

An old Jefferson Street industrial building that was gutted after a fire was transformed into The Apiary, a high-end catering and event space with capacity for up to 150 guests in The Orangery or intimate dinners for 12 in The Winter Room. The space offers an unrivaled farm-to-table experience with outdoor production gardens watered by an on-site, underground 12,000-gallon rainwater collection tank.

Features include:

• Massive amounts of reclaimed brick and custom stone from the owners’ farm

• Old-world craftsmanship by master masons of hand-carved stone

• Reclaimed wood floors and large beams from the owners’ tobacco warehouses

• Custom iron fencing and stair rails by local blacksmith artists from Maynard Studios

• French limestone terraces

• Antique, oversized doors from Argentina

Lexington, KY

15,000 SF Status Completed 2014 Services Provided Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference

Cooper Vaughan

(859) 254-2225

Project Budget

Owner requests confidentiality

Honeywood

A Ouita Michel Restaurant

“We need to give it a soul so it’s not all shiny and new,” suggested Chef Ouita Michel during design discussions for her newest and largest restaurant.

Locally reclaimed wood tables and floors complement oversized windows, a stylish bar, aged brick, and shiplap in a contemporary, comfortable setting. The food mirrors the design featuring creatively prepared, locally sourced, fresh food with a strong nod to Kentucky’s food traditions.

Lexington, KY

4,500 SF / 150 seats

Status Completed 2017

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Design

Team Leadership

Client Reference

Ouita Michel, (859) 846-4732

Project Budget

Owner requests confidentiality

Bulleit Visitor Center

EOP’s design for the Bulleit Visitor Center features a 9,000 square foot building pegged to be the home of Bulleit bourbon.

The new attraction encompasses the history and heritage of the brand with a tour showcasing modern whiskey-making that highlights the environmentally-friendly footprint.

Multiple, large tasting rooms conclude the tour with samplings of products, as well as a large retail outlet. The distillery and visitor center are now the 17th stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Shelbyville, KY

9,000 SF

Status Completed 2019

Services Provided Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference Jeff Parrott, Diageo, (646) 223-2171

Project Budget

$10,000,000

Jake’s Cigar Bar

The story of tobacco inspired the design, illustrated in rich colors, custom lighting, material and furniture selection. Based on an original barn in Brannon Crossing, the exterior is comprised of Western Red Cedar and corrugated metal. Interior spaces include reclaimed wood for better acoustics, private lockers and a linear humidor positioned so that sunlight never touches the cigars at any point of the day. Finally, Jake’s has a large outdoor patio as well as a cantilevered balcony overlooking a croquet court, and a custom chandelier based on hanging tobacco in a burley barn.

Nicholasville, KY

3,100 SF

Status Completed 2019

Services Provided Architectural Design Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference Jacob Glancy, Owner (859) 273-0351

Project Budget $2,200,000

Aloft Louisville East

Sited on the first hole of a former golf course, the Aloft Louisville East brings a modern, fresh, and fun destination to suburban Louisville.

Designed and developed by the EOP and Red Draw team, the hotel features 125 guest rooms, a swimming pool, patio and bar, fitness center, meeting rooms, and plenty of parking for 350. EOP also handled the furniture, fixtures, and equipment for this property. A small portion of an 18-hole course has been developed for the hotel; the remainder will remain open space for a subdivision.

Louisville, KY

76,000 SF

Status Completed 2016

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design

Team Leadership

FF&E

Client Reference

Patrick Madden, M&T LLC

(859) 299-7028

Project Budget

$13,400,000

Aloft Westerville

Located in the heart of Westerville, Ohio, Aloft Columbus Westerville is conveniently located minutes away from a variety of local attractions, as well as the thriving city of Columbus.

Designed and developed by the EOP and Red Draw team, the hotel features 101 guestrooms, patio and bar, fitness center, meeting rooms, and plenty of parking for 350. With over 1,600 square feet of versatile function space, the new boutique hotel is close to corporate offices and hot spots in the Columbus area.

Columbus, OH

55,300 SF / 4 stories

Status Completed 2017

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design

Team Leadership

FF&E

Client Reference

Patrick Madden, M&T LLC

(859) 299-7028

Project Budget

$12.2 million

Gratz Park Inn

Currently The Sire Hotel

The project consisted of the adaptive re-use and renovation of an existing historical medical office building into a luxury suite hotel and restaurant.

This restored historic landmark features 41 beautifully appointed, individually decorated, luxurious accommodations including 33 rooms and 8 suites. Each room is filled with antique reproduction furniture, fine woods and rich fabrics, and regionally produced art. Other amenities include a library/ business office, lounge, and restaurant.

The project required the addition of a third floor area and extensive interior and exterior renovation and restoration. The project was designed in accordance to the Department of Interiors Standards for Historical Renovation and received the highest recognition from the Kentucky Historic Commission upon its completion.

Lexington, KY

41 rooms Status Completed Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design

Restoration

Team Leadership Project Budget Confidential

Historic Boone Tavern Renovation at Berea College

Boone Tavern was built in 1909 and has continually operated as a hotel and restaurant serving the needs of Berea College for the last 100 years.

EOP Architects provided design services for the exterior and interior renovation of the historic Boone Tavern located at College Square on Berea College’s campus. Highlights of the renovation include the addition of a double porch on the exterior of the building, as well as interior renovations throughout the entire facility. Boone Tavern attained LEED Gold certification and is the first LEED-certified hotel in Kentucky.

Berea, KY

67,100 SF

Status Completed 2009 Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design

Team Leadership

Client Reference

Berea College, 859-985-3180

Project Budget

Owner requests

confidentiality

LEED

LEED Gold Certified

Horse Soldier Bourbon Distillery & Visitor Center

Horse Soldier Bourbon is a brand developed by former Special Forces soldiers, the first into Afghanistan on horseback following the events of 9/11. Phase 1 of Horse Soldier Farms, the home of production for Horse Soldier Bourbon, is now underway and slated for completion in 2024.

Horse Soldier Farms will be much more than a distillery, with proposed retired horse farm, family friendly activities, retail-like shopping, and eateries. The project is not just a stop on the bourbon trail, it’s a destination. EOP is proud to join the project as Architect of Record, collaborating with architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbours + Partners, BRC Imagination Arts, and a host of expert consultants to create a Bourbon Distillery & Visitor experience like no other.

Somerset, KY

Status Est. 2024

Project Budget

Confidential

Shelbyville Conference & Welcome Center

EOP’s design inspiration came from the area’s iconic barns and incorporates three silos that already serve as a landmark on the site. With steep grades, the site presented challenging opportunities allowing a unique orientation perpendicular to street.

The 16,200-square-foot facility includes floor-to-ceiling windows broken up by stone frontage, a metal gabled roof that wraps around the back on the conference space end, and interior roof trusses that separate the space into three acoustically different areas. The space can accommodate up to 500 with expanded prefunction space and nearly 200 parking spaces on the front side of the center with a separate lot behind a retaining wall for overflow and buses. Shelbyville Tourism, previously located in a separate facility, will be occupying space in the conference and welcome center. Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) will also provide training in the center.

Shelbyville, KY

16,200 SF Status Completed 2021

Services Provided Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference Jennifer Herrell, City Engineer, City of Shelbyville (502) 633-1094

Project Budget

$6,000,000

Awards

2021 CRE Tourism Project of the Year

For more information, contact:

Rick Ekhoff, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB rekhoff@eopa.com

Richard Polk, AIA, LEED AP rpolk@eopa.com

Brent Bruner, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB bbruner@eopa.com

Chris Estes, CID, LEED AP, NCIDQ cestes@eopa.com

Daniel Ware, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB dware@eopa.com

Kevin Gough, AIA, NCARB kgough@eopa.com

Jason Dunn, AIA, LEED AP jdunn@eopa.com

Andrew Moore, AIA, LEED AP amoore@eopa.com

Matthew Schultz, AIA mschultz@eopa.com