After over 10 years of collaborative renovation planning between HK Architects, the City of Chattanooga, TN developers, and community partners, the historic Chattanooga Bank and Trust Building has finally been unveiled as a 148 room Tapestry Hilton hotel, named The Waymark, right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga.
Originally constructed in 1927 as the Chattanooga Savings Bank designed by famous local architect R.H. Hunt, this adaptive reuse project preserves mid-century architecture while activating a prominent vacant building in downtown. The 10-story structure will feature lush, modern hotel rooms, over 2,000 square feet of meeting and event space, various dining options, and a speakeasy incorporating the original bank vault.
Original vault door which will be the entrance to the speakeasy.
"Beyond protecting and restoring the structure's original 1920s architectural details, this ambitious $59 million historic preservation effort sparks new energy along the downtown streetscape by redeveloping a signature Chattanooga tower into a community gathering space," said Alex Reyland, Partner of HK Architects.
HK Architects led the adaptive reuse and renovation architecture and design for over a decade alongside developer HKS Holdings who understood the unique opportunity to bring this long-vacant building back to life with a new hospitality purpose.
Original Chattanooga Bank Building drawings by R.H. Hunt.
"After 12 years collaborating towards the historic revitalization of this downtown icon, our team is thrilled to finalize such a meaningful architectural transformation project focused on enhancing the community," explained Heidi Hefferlin, Managing Partner.
The renovation of the iconic Chattanooga Bank and Trust reintroduces not just preserved architectural legacy, but also strengthened downtown vibrancy through modern mixed-use space. By converting the vacant tower into a 148 room hotel and event venue, this historic preservation project breaths fresh new life into Chattanooga's urban core.
The Chattanooga Bank Building in 1927.