To mirror its sister property in Beloit, Wisconsin, the Ironworks Hotel Indy reinterprets a 19th-century industrial aesthetic through a modern lens. Down the street from Hendricks Commercial Properties‘ Ironworks at Keystone mixed-use development, the 100,000-square-foot Indianapolis boutique property “mimics an industrial factory-style structure,” explains Sue Griffin, director of interior design at the Beloit, Wisconsin-based development company, who collaborated with Garrett Cheyne of Delavan, Wisconsin-based Curate on the interiors. Locally based Ratio handled the architecture, creating a “true corbeled masonry wall, which gives a certain thickness and shadow to the façade,” says Ratio principal and president Bill Browne, becoming a “character-defining element.” Inside, natural colors, brick, and weathered wood mix with striking iron accents to create a unique urban lodging experience.
In the open, two-level lobby, a boiler is wrapped around the staircase, iron pulleys lower pendants over the wood-planked reception, and iron lock and chain pieces complement leather couches, seating nooks, and a large communal table. The atmosphere is all about “community and relaxation,” says Griffin. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass panels create an inviting element that connect the public space to upscale Provision restaurant and bar from Cunningham Restaurant Group. A standout is the commanding American flag installation by artist Jim Spelman, which is formed by industrial materials and paper pattern molds from the former Beloit Corporation. “If you look closely, you will find the twin towers and other popular landmarks,” she notes.
Comprising four room types, the understated 120 accommodations sport cool gray and teal tones that play off wooden features and exposed ductwork and brick. Vintage wooden hat molds preside over beds in some guestrooms, leading to spa-like bathrooms donning frosted glass rainforest showers. Suites are equipped with verandas that flaunt firepits and cozy outdoor seating, allowing guests to take in city views even in cooler weather. Here, Ratio Design accented the industrial theme with a “warehouse yard of design elements such as retired steel cranes,” says Browne.
The addition of these small details “dare to be different,” Griffin says, revealing the most intriguing aspects of the property, whether its repurposed headlight covers that form mirrors in the entryway or more local elements like elevator graphics that pay homage to former factory workers. The whole experience is unique, “with an elevated level of style, comfort, and interest,” adds Browne.
