Fairlane Hotel

Converting a Former Bank Headquarters into a Boutique Hotel

Extensive pre-planning and engineering was required before the first hammer was swung to convert this former bank headquarters into The Fairlane Hotel, a mid-century modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville.

The renovation included converting rooftop mechanical space into a 13th floor penthouse unit with a wraparound terrace and extending three elevators an additional story.

Project Details

81 rooms, 13 stories

12 guest room layouts

2 restaurants and a coffee shop

Project Team

Owner: BNA Associates LLC

Architect: Manuel Zeitlin Architects

Contractor: Crain Construction

Engineers: EMC Structural Engineers

Challenges

Before the asbestos abatement and extensive demolition could begin, the Crain Construction team had to develop a plan to accommodate the heavy vehicular and foot traffic in this busy urban area.

Solutions

The Crain team worked with Metro Public Works to develop a plan to keep pedestrian traffic flowing while the sidewalk was closed on the busy corner. Pedestrians were diverted to an alley and through the downtown Arcade without creating any inconvenience.

With a solution in hand for traffic flow, the team then turned to the challenge of removing the old mechanical equipment. Everything was cut up in pieces small enough to manage by hand and carted in wheelbarrows down a floor to the elevators.

Once the demolition process was completed, the Crain team rebuilt the interior and installed new mechanical systems including rooftop air handling units, as well as steam and chilled water piping throughout the building to zoned units. Exterior improvements included a new aluminum and glass curtain wall systems, a marquee entrance canopy, rooftop signage, and new sidewalks showcasing a brass inlaid logo in terrazzo to identify the entrance.

The finished project is a retro-modern urban hotel with preserved and enhanced terrazzo flooring, brass details and wood paneling that give a nod to the past while inviting the future.

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