Art and architecture coexist at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection, a striking 20th-century revival turned gallery-inspired boutique hotel experience.
A historic 14-story classical revival building in downtown Norfolk, Virginia has undergone a remarkable transformation from its early 20th-century origins as the headquarters for the F.S. Royster fertilizer company to its current iteration as an immersive boutique hotel experience. As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this 114-room property captivates visitors with a blend of historic preservation, contemporary artistry, and a uniquely personal collection of glass art curated by the hotel’s owners. Every aspect of the design reflects a thoughtful intention to preserve the building’s architectural legacy while embracing modern aesthetics, making each visit a journey through both time and art.
Originally constructed in 1912, the classical revival building was predominantly used as an office building until its re-imagining as a boutique hotel. One of the biggest goals of both the ownership and design team was to maintain the building’s historic integrity and reveal its hidden beauty, while aligning with the requirements of historic preservation and overall expectations of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. During the transformation, the design team carefully peeled back layers to reveal original architectural gems. These discoveries were integrated into the new design with reverence, creating a dialogue between old and new that is both subtle and stunning. Listed on the historic register, the building benefitted from the support of historic tax credits, which helped fund the transformation while ensuring adherence to preservation guidelines.
“Our priority was to revive the building’s historic soul,” says Associate and Hospitality Studio Director, David Wilbourne. “Every corner seemed to reveal a new gem, like original brass mail slots, intricate moldings, and details that had been hidden for years. We felt an incredible responsibility to honor these elements—and a deep joy in doing so. Each discovery was a reminder of the building’s legacy, and by showcasing them, we were preserving its story for future generations.”
The overall guest experience follows the process of glassmaking, transforming the hotel into a vibrant showcase of artistic expression. The design concept celebrates the art form’s organic nature, incorporating elements of sand, fire, and air throughout the interiors in both subtle and bold gestures. Guest rooms are open concept, allowing guests to easily work, relax, or create in the space.
“We wanted the rooms to feel like an artist’s studio and used the glassmaking process as a conceptual anchor for each material choice and design decision,” says Wilbourne. “This creative approach allowed us to create spaces that felt both deeply grounded and immersive, perfect for a hotel that tells such a multifaceted story.”
Artwork utilized throughout is inspired by the color chips used in the process of glassblowing. In public spaces, glass art takes center stage with iconic commissioned and one-of-a-kind pieces from Chihuly, Peter Bremers, Stephen Powell, Lino Tagliapietra, and others—all from the owners’ personal collection. Bremers’ work takes on special significance with the inclusion of two whimsical, oversized glass bunnies—one welcoming guests at reception and another lounging at the bar. These bunnies, created specifically for the hotel, serve as an affectionate nod to the owner’s family, capturing a touch of warmth and personality that infuses the space with a sense of charm and individuality. The effect is both visually striking and deeply personal, engaging guests in a larger conversation surrounding the artistry, inherent authenticity, and creation of glass.
The hotel has earned significant recognition with awards including the LIV Hospitality Design Award for Interior Design Renovation and the IIDA Virginia & West Virginia Chapter Interior Design Excellence Award for Hospitality. Additional accolades, such as those from the ABC-Virginia Excellence Awards and the HRACRE Design Awards, further highlight the successful integration of historic preservation with cutting-edge hospitality.
Project: Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection
Location: Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Design Studio: Baskervill
Photo Credits: Photo Fusion Media
Website: baskervill.com
