Situated within the 19th-century Stephen Girard Building, the Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City is located in the heart of the city’s historic shopping district. With that in mind, New York firm AvroKO, in collaboration with local practice BLT Architects, set out to weave together local narratives by combining a modernized take on the structure’s Beaux-Arts architecture with the grandeur of the golden era of department stores, while also nodding to Philadelphia’s significant hip-hop culture. “Specifically, we referenced the early looks of hip-hop known as ‘big fashion,’ and incorporated bold colors and patterning on fabrics and pops of metallic detailing for a little added glitz and glamour,” says AvroKO principal Greg Bradshaw.
In the lobby, a geometric stone tile floor by Design Direct Source creates a stunning statement beside an abstract, handtufted area rug from Nourison Hospitality that depicts a colorful custom artwork by Toronto artist Tessar Lo. A variety of seating options, including lounge chairs from Protocol and Shine by Sho and a Meridiani sofa, surround nesting tables from Goodshop Manufacturies, AvroKO’s custom manufacturing partner. “The journey through our public space is akin to walking through a large department store with varying storefronts and display cases,” describes AvroKO principal William Harris.
RH wall sconces light the way to a large-scale brass sculpture by Discreet + Discrete that references late American artist Jean-Michael Basquiat on the ground floor.
The hotel’s American brasserie, the Wayward, is outfitted with custom banquettes and a buffet table from Credible Hospitality, as well as Brightliner chairs, a collaboration between AvroKO and Stellar Works, which are covered in leather from Moore & Giles. The light fixtures, including a chandelier inspired by gold teeth grills, were crafted by Goodshop Manufacturies, while the teal and blue floor tile was sourced from Exquisite Surfaces.
Installed on the wall above custom Credible Hospitality banquettes and Artco tables in the Wayward’s dining area, a mural composed of knotty pine by local artist Nate Harris combines color and human form as an architectural invention and resonates with custom millwork found throughout the property.
This article originally appeared in HD’s 2020 Product Marketplace issue.