Our latest TOPHOTELDESIGN exclusive looks at New England Development’s White Elephant Palm Beach, which saw Elkus Manfredi Architects reimagine a century-old heritage building.
Sister to Nantucket’s White Elephant resort, this stylish property has brought a new lease of life to the former Bradley Park Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.
A historic site enters a new era
November 2020 saw the highly anticipated opening of Palm Beach’s 32-key White Elephant hotel, created by New England Developments. This new property has taken over the home of the former Bradley Park Hotel, which was built in 1924.
Bradley Park Hotel, on Palm Beach’s Main Street, was initially owned by Colonel Edward R Bradley, who ran a beach club casino on the site that is now Bradley Park. Over the decades, this property became a mainstay of seasonal visitors and, owing to its architectural significance, was listed by the Landmark Preservation Commission in 1980.
While its historically important façade remains, the interiors have been entirely rebuilt by Boston-based Elkus Manfredi Architects. The design firm worked closely with the Town of Palm Beach to ensure the hotel showcased the building’s history, while also coming up with a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean revival architecture.
Through its layout, White Elephant Palm Beach is designed to make the most of the Florida sunshine, with a U-shaped outdoor courtyard, containing a patio and pool, that acts as the social heart of the hotel.
Heritage fused with contemporary design
With just 13 guestrooms and 19 suites, the hotel aims to suggest a residential feel, with interior design that captures the spirit of a grand home. A neutral palette is paired with sleek metal accents and pops of vibrant colour, accompanied by hardwood flooring, woven rugs, elegant tiling and Carrara marble.
The Mizner-style façade has been painted a creamy-white colour, while terracotta roof tiles with black-and-white striped awnings and black trim add to the overall effect. There’s also a seven-foot white elephant statue by the artist Fredrick Prescott at the entrance.
As many as 120 original artworks curated by the owners and Elkus Manfredi Architects feature throughout the hotel, including pieces by well-known names such as Robert Rauschenberg and Kenzo Okada. Meanwhile, the guestrooms and suites, which range from 510 to 3,000 sq ft in size, come with custom-designed furniture including king-size beds with Pratesi linens, as well as palm and flower print upholstered backboards.
Among the other noteworthy furnishings are console tables designed by Selamat Designs in collaboration with the heritage brand Morris & Co. Moreover, the rooms feature plush grey and cream sofas and armchairs, allied to striking decorative elements such as bronze elephant door knockers, rattan ceiling light fixtures and bold patterned throw pillows.
Adding further to the premium aesthetic, JANUS et Cie supplied the stylish outdoor furniture.
For additional space, guests can book one of two luxurious penthouse suites, which come with large living rooms, fully equipped kitchens and spacious terraces.
For more info about this scheme, and to view an extensive gallery of hi-res images, check out the White Elephant Palm Beach project page on the TOPHOTELDESIGN website.
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