NATIONAL EXCHANGE HOTEL
Nevada City, California
38,400 sq ft
The National Exchange Hotel was built in 1856 as the crown jewel at the center of the gold rush era (and all of it's nouveau riche miners). The hotel has 3 floors with 38 guest rooms spread over the two upper floors. The main floor houses the famed National Bar as well as the dining room; Lola, a cozy fireside room for reading or private events as well as the hotel registration desk. The lobby staircase leads guests up to the opulent Grand Lounge and event spaces as well as the balcony bar overlooking the main street below. Our design goal for this project was guided by a simple principal: what would the stylish (and wilder) people of this era want to see if they came back now to stay at this hotel? They would see miles of different William Morris wallpapers, custom designed, modern brass & fluted glass lighting, a custom designed 100 foot long velvet couch and stunning custom woodwork by the Lightning Bar Collective from Portland, Oregon.