History and Modernity Meet in This Industrial Hotel and Restaurant in Philadelphia

Housed in a 19th-century whiskey blending and bottling facility in Philadelphia's trendy Fishtown neighborhood, Wm. Mulherin's Sons is a wood-fired Italian restaurant with a four-room hotel upstairs.
Text by

Helmed by Method Hospitality, the renovation retains the legacy of the original building owner and whiskey businessman, William Mulherin, while introducing contemporary elements. Having lay uninhabited since Prohibition, the building now sits as a notable component of Fishtown, which is currently experiencing a cultural rejuvenation. 

In their extensive work, the designers worked to restore many of the original details, such as brick walls, structural elements, and original fixtures. The hotel features four rooms that harmoniously blend old and new. Exposed brick walls, antique textiles, polished concrete floors, kitchenettes, walnut millwork, decorative lighting, and custom wall decor build the industrial-modern palette represented in each room.

History and Modernity Meet in This Industrial Hotel and Restaurant in Philadelphia - Photo 1 of 11 -
Room 1, located on the second floor,  blends industrial detailing with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, rich textile finishes, and a custom walnut bed. 

Room 1, located on the second floor,  blends industrial detailing with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, rich textile finishes, and a custom walnut bed. 

In the kitchenette area, seamless walnut cabinets, poured concrete countertops, and glazed brick tiles introduce minimalistic, modern elements.

In the kitchenette area, seamless walnut cabinets, poured concrete countertops, and glazed brick tiles introduce minimalistic, modern elements.

History and Modernity Meet in This Industrial Hotel and Restaurant in Philadelphia - Photo 4 of 11 -
History and Modernity Meet in This Industrial Hotel and Restaurant in Philadelphia - Photo 5 of 11 -
In Room 4 on the third floor, a large A-frame skylight allows light to flood into the interior while windows provide views to the neighborhood below. 

In Room 4 on the third floor, a large A-frame skylight allows light to flood into the interior while windows provide views to the neighborhood below. 

An original clawfoot tub rests below the windows, looking out to the train tracks beyond. A poured concrete sink with steel legs introduces modern elements that blend with the historic character.

An original clawfoot tub rests below the windows, looking out to the train tracks beyond. A poured concrete sink with steel legs introduces modern elements that blend with the historic character.

In thinking through the restaurant concept, Method Hospitality acquired an existing garage next door and demolished the dividing wall to create space for an urban neighborhood eatery. Listed as one of the 50 best new restaurants by Bon Appetit, Wm. Mulherin's Sons has chef Chris Painter leading the culinary delights the wood-fired Italian restaurant and bar. 

A quote bar hangs on the wall upon entry into the bar. Walnut wood tones and black furnishings are accented by the green pastel bar. 

A quote bar hangs on the wall upon entry into the bar. Walnut wood tones and black furnishings are accented by the green pastel bar. 

An open kitchen concept connects the wood-fired oven with the communal dining room. 

An open kitchen concept connects the wood-fired oven with the communal dining room. 

Simple pendant lighting, succulent greenery, and leather booths are simple, thoughtful elements that decorate the chic eatery. 

Simple pendant lighting, succulent greenery, and leather booths are simple, thoughtful elements that decorate the chic eatery. 

It's the perfect place to grab an expertly-shaken cocktail while enjoying the culture of the unique Fishtown neighborhood. 

It's the perfect place to grab an expertly-shaken cocktail while enjoying the culture of the unique Fishtown neighborhood. 

To learn more, visit Wm. Mulherin's sons online.

a
Anna Squier
Anna Jones is a designer and founder of MOD Design in Des Moines, IA. After receiving a BA in Architecture, she practiced at award winning design firms in the Central States Region.

Published

Last Updated

Get the Renovations Newsletter

From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.