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historic ad for Swann Hat FactoryA former Swann Hat Factory in Louisville, Kentucky will receive a second act—not a swan song—when it is reborn as a boutique hotel. Vision Hospitality, the developers behind Cincinnati’s upcoming Kinley, are turning this 32,000 SF historic building into The Grady Hotel.

Check out the early stages of The Kinley.

The hotel will be named in honor of Grady Clay, a Louisville journalist. The hotel will also feature “an intimate and moody speakeasy” named Wild Swann, in honor of the hat company that operated out of the building in the 1920s. The company is renowned for designing the iconic early hats of the Kentucky Derby.

This historic renovation will preserve a number of unique features, including: wood ceilings, wood wainscoting on the first floor, existing original wood storefront on the main street side, cornice on the outside of the building, high 15’ ceilings in the bedroom/living rooms. The exposed stone and brick catacombs will be maintained as part of the aesthetic for the Wild Swann.

Explore another historic hotel renovation.

HGC Construction is acting as the CM on the job, which is steadily progressing. Demo is complete, and structural repairs are complete from the roof to the 1st floor. The fire-rated ceilings are in place, and wall framing has started. Additionally, the underground plumbing is complete.

Over the next month the team will continue wall framing and drywall hanging. They will complete the structural repairs and the mechanical rough-in, as well as the water proofing of the catacombs.

In the end, the renovated building will feature modernized elevators and MEP systems, three new stairwells, all new kitchen equipment, and luxury finishes and furniture. The historic wood ceilings and window moldings will be refreshed, and the storefront will receive a new structural canopy.

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