Originally built in 1893 to house travelers on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has always been “near and dear to the hearts of Quebecers,” says Greg Keffer, principal of New York-based Rockwell Group. When approached with the project, the team knew a revitalization had to honor the hotel’s history. “The real challenge was always keeping in mind the preciousness of what we had to work with versus the modern point of view that we were trying to achieve,” Keffer explains.
The redesign covered the lobby and three F&B outlets. “A lot of our inspiration referred to the winter climate of Quebec,” Keffer says. Formerly a dim, corridor-like space, the lobby was redone in a blue color palette referencing ice and water. The reception desks are covered in antique mirrors and adorned with a floral design by the Maxwell brothers, the architects responsible for the hotel’s expansion in the 1920s.
“We wanted to project a sense of luxury and a new plush kind of environment in the lobby,” Keffer says. Historic chandeliers were refurbished and draped with mixed metal chains in nickel, bronze, and brass, and the original marble floors and oak wall paneling and gilding were restored. A backlit, blue onyx wall illuminates the reception from behind.
The ice-and-water theme continues with a 500-pound chandelier recalling an icicle in cut glass adorning the hallway leading toward the restaurants and bars. “We were very conscious of every design move, but you can still have a rich palette and a modern touch,” Keffer says. In Champlain restaurant, the original ceilings and dark wood paneling remain, updated with new furnishings. Brass wine towers fill the space between the historic columns, and a variety of seating options mark the restaurant.
Named after the founder of Quebec City, explorer Samuel de Champlain, the highlight of the restaurant is a gold, ribbon-like fixture suspended from the ceiling. This 3D casting of the St. Lawrence riverbed, constructed from a full scan of the local river, follows diners from the entrance through to the dining area.
At Le Sam bistro, the idea of trains and travel—an allusion to the Canadian Pacific Railway—plays into the design. “Le Sam is more subdued,” Keffer explains. Along with a dark palette with pops of blue velvet, guardrails and rivet details subtly recall the nostalgic days of train travel. The jazz bar and open kitchen holds lounge seating and a veranda to create an indoor-outdoor feel. Illuminated by a metal chain chandelier, the bar pairs herringbone brass tile with a slate top.
“It’s all about balance,” Keffer adds. “We wanted to keep the locals happy but answer the call from Fairmont to make this a modern property.” One of the more dramatic changes is 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar. Based around the idea of a deconstructed clock, the round, black bar sits under a giant wheel-like ceiling. Lounge seating and bookcases create a library atmosphere.
“Since it’s the first thing you see, it sets a whole new tone for the property—one that feels luxurious and modern but comfortable as well,” Keffer says.
