Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design was awarded first prize in the “Creative Spark” Competition at the Top Hotel Projects World Tour 2017 for its renovation design of Hotel Paso Del Norte, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, in El Paso.
Kobi Karp’s restoration of the historic property will pay homage to the hotel’s history and will give downtown El Paso a luxurious and iconic landmark. Located in the heart of downtown El Paso, the hotel’s renovation plans include all 356 hotel rooms and suites, as well the second-floor grand ballroom and conference rooms.
“We are honored to be recognized for our vision for this 100-year-old hotel,” said Kobi Karp, founder and principal at Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design. “We were inspired by the striking, historic architecture of the existing structure, which speaks volumes of the hotel’s and El Paso’s rich history.”
Upon arrival, Hotel Paso Del Norte guests will enter a reception area highlighted by the luxurious stained-glass dome, accentuated with ornate plaster details. The restoration of the original 10th-floor rooftop will use the ballroom as a prelude to the pool lounge area surrounded by a luxurious full-service spa, state-of-the-art gym.
The bar room, next to the rooftop terrace, will be expanded to overlook panoramic views of the Franklin Mountains, the historic Rio Grande and the Mexican border.
The redesign will highlight local materials such as copper, brass and deep burnished leathers to create the traditional robust atmosphere of the El Paso historic hotel. The use of local natural materials, such as worn rough wood finishes, will be used to offset the burnished metals set alongside charcoal gray and deep dark brown colors of the red Ochre colors surrounding the Franklin Mountains.
The historic building was originally completed in 1912 with 195 rooms. The architect of the then 10-story Hotel Paso Del Norte was Henry Charles Trost (1860-1933). Built on the site of the city’s famous Happy Hour Vaudeville Theater, Italian artisans were brought to El Paso to assist with creation of the massively ornate interiors in the three lobbies.
The most impressive feature, even more than the elaborate mahogany carvings, was the magnificent 25’ diameter Louis Tiffany-style stain glass dome built in 17 pieces. The hotel earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
In 1986, a 17-story building was built adjacent to the existing “old” hotel increasing its size to 356 rooms.
The hotel is adjacent to the El Paso Convention Center and within walking distance of museums, historic San Jacinto Plaza, downtown entertainment and business districts.
Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design is widely experienced in hospitality and historic renovations, having been the recipient of numerous awards including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Preservation Award.
For more information about Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, please visit their website.
