Baltimore, MD (February 8, 2013) – Baltimore will welcome its most sophisticated property, The Ivy Hotel, to the city’s growing roster of “must see” luxe hotels and resorts in early 2014. Located in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, the four-story brownstone will also feature a restaurant, stylish bar, library and lounge, outdoor garden, and on-site spa for guests, with details to be revealed in late 2013.

The design, led by Ziger/Snead Architects (Living Classrooms Foundation Maritime Museum, 9/11 Memorial of Maryland, Brown Center with Charles Brickbauer) and interior designer Joszi Meskan (Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Arizona, Inn at National Hall in Connecticut, Harbor Court Hotel in Baltimore), will evoke the feeling of staying in a magnificent private home, harkening back to the building’s original 1800’s days as a mansion.

Known for their award-winning work in Baltimore, Ziger/Snead Architects bring a national reputation for design excellence to the core of The Ivy Hotel. They are designing and building an addition to the east side of the property as it transforms into The Ivy, while also carefully restoring and maintaining the bones of the original structure.

Meskan channeled inspiration from the building’s original innate charm, and will marry it with modern touches and amenities as well as integrate salvaged one-of-a-kind antique pieces from the historic and award-winning Inn at National Hall and restore them for use at The Ivy. Each guestroom and suite showcase customized layouts and feature individual fireplaces and canopy beds.

Most recently known as The Inn at Government House, the building that will be The Ivy was built in the late 1800’s as a mansion and is hailed as an architectural triumph of its day. It has had several lives over the years, serving as a home, office space, government-operated inn, and now in its latest incarnation, as a boutique urban resort.

The project is being spearheaded by Eddie C. Brown, Chairman, CEO & Founder of Brown Capital Management, and Family, and the Martin Azola Family, guided by Garrett Hotel Consultants (GHC).

• Owner Eddie C. Brown founded Brown Capital Management, which is now the second oldest African-American owned investment management firm in America. The Brown Family is a longtime resident of Baltimore, known locally for their philanthropy and donations to various charitable organizations to improve education, the arts, and quality of life for inner-city youth.
• Martin and Tony Azola of Azola Companies are nationally recognized experts in design and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Leading the charge on construction and development, Marty and Tony have restored some of the most interesting buildings in Maryland over the past 42 years.
• Garrett Hotel Consultants (GHC) is a boutique luxury hotel specialist firm behind famed properties such as Lake Placid Lodge and The Point. At the helm is David Garrett, formerly the President of Relais & Chateaux North America, who has created and operated some of the finest hotels in the world, both old and new, and his wife Christie Garrett. GHC has expertise in re-launching and re-conceptualizing existing hotels and historic properties into magnificent estates and accommodations

“It’s an exciting time to introduce The Ivy Hotel to Baltimore as the city becomes one of the leading cultural destinations in the Northeast,” said David Garrett. “With the combined expertise and passion of the Browns, Azolas, and Garretts behind it, The Ivy is destined to be a world-class boutique hotel with a strong sense of character and community.”

About The Ivy Hotel
The Ivy Hotel, an upscale hotel slated to open in spring 2014, will lead the luxury resurgence in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. Located nearby the University of Baltimore, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and The Walters Art Museum, the elegant property is poised to welcome guests with an appreciation of the arts, seeking a personalized luxury experience. The Ivy will offer 18 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, restaurant, and spa. For more information, please visit www.theivybaltimore.com.