Project posted by Dwell

Trumbull and Porter Hotel Detroit

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Location
Detroit, Michigan
Year
1964
Structure Type
Hotel
Rental for 2 guests
$152 / night
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To do that, Thompson and his team essentially left the hotel's exterior in place, applying a new coat of dark paint, and stripped the interior "down to its bones." Then they "let the cast concrete structure become the backdrop for the bespoke furniture, furnishings, and artwork," writes Thompson, who sourced from a plethora of local artists and craftspeople. For instance, a mural above the porte cochère, painted by Corktown artist Don Kilpatrick, greets visitors outside. The custom millwork in rooms and the Red Dunn Kitchen, the on-site restaurant, include case goods, beds, and mirrors from Thompson Millwork.

Herman Miller and Knoll pieces were sprinkled throughout "because of their close ties with Cranbrook," writes Thompson. "Cranbrook being in our backyard and such an important part of our design history, we felt it important to showcase some signature pieces."

Additional art is hand-painted and pressed by Detroit Wood Type Co, while the Golden Sign Company hand-painted the way-finding signage. The light fixtures in the public spaces were designed with Colin Tury and also fabricated locally.

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Credits

Posted by
Dwell

Architect
p
Patrick Thompson Design
Builder
t
Thompson Millwork
Photographer
j
John D'Angelo
Publications
Dwell
Notes

From a large-scale exterior mural to custom light fixtures, the Trumbull & Porter Hotel celebrates local culture and creativity. The building was originally constructed in 1964 as a Holiday Inn and later became the Corktown Inn before it underwent a 2015 renovation, helmed by Patrick Thompson Design. Thompson's goal was to create a travel destination that could be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. "The ownership wanted to create an authentic neighborhood/city experience but without being too literal," Thompson writes in an email. "We set out to create a boutique experience for today's urban explorer."
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