The Cordova Inn

Cordova Inn is a three-story boutique hotel in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Constructed in 1921, the local historic landmark features a beautiful Neo-Classical façade. PLACE’s challenge was to update the existing hotel and design a new five-story addition that complements and enhances the existing facility. The number of hotel rooms will increase from 32 to 95, including a dozen suites. Sorely needed back-of-house spaces and a small parking garage discreetly tucked into the northwest corner of the first floor will be provided. A collection of social spaces are distributed throughout the facility including a small bistro and rooftop terrace with an outdoor bar with views overlooking William’s Park. An intimate courtyard weaves between the existing and new buildings. The mass of the new building is visually subdivided to reflect the historic building scale of the block. Inspired by the historic hotel’s first-floor hotel arcade, a series of colonnades, porches, and balconies activate the building’s façade while celebrating St. Petersburg’s sub-tropical climate.