Avocet Hospitality Group confirmed Tuesday that a design team has been selected for the multimillion-dollar renovation project planned for the historic Read House hotel.
Local architecture firm, Artech Design Group, will work hand-in-hand with Texas-based company, ForrestPerkins, to restore and refresh the iconic property in downtown Chattanooga. AHG’s Director of Project Management, Rod Gerber; Artech Principles, Rick Thompson and David Hudson; and ForrestPerkins’ President, Deborah Forrest, have already begun drafting plans for the $20 million renovation project, which is slated to begin in June 2017.
“The vision that Avocet Hospitality has for the Read House as a luxurious hotel and gathering place for Chattanoogans has excited our entire team," said Rick Thompson, principal in charge for Artech Design Group. "The concept strongly reinforces the commitment to the renaissance of downtown Chattanooga. We look forward to leading the design team and making their vision a reality, while respectively addressing the historic significance and architectural integrity of the building. Our goal is to revitalize the iconic stature of the Read House and enhance the quality of our community."
Deborah Forrest, president of ForrestPerkins, said, “ForrestPerkins is known for designing distinctive, luxurious hotels, both modern and classic, including brands such as St. Regis, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton. The design of each hotel tells a unique story, crafted to personalize the guest experience, inspired by a sense of place and in the case of historic hotels such as Read House, the hotel’s legendary past.”
By the end of 2018, the Read House hotel will feature completely renovated common areas, meeting rooms, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and 242-guestrooms boasting updated technology, redesigned bathrooms, and all new furnishings. The hotel will launch a new website and refreshed brand by April 2017, which will serve as a tool to keep the community informed on the progress of the project.