Revitalizing an Abandoned Structure: America's Most Sustainable Hotel
New Haven's Hotel Marcel sets a new standard for sustainability, with 165 eco-friendly rooms, an expansive conference center, and a top-notch restaurant, all operating with zero emissions
As you drive south on the Connecticut turnpike, you'll pass through the coastal city of New Haven, where you can catch a glimpse of an iconic Brutalist building designed by the influential mid-century architect Marcel Breuer. The nine-story structure has a distinctive cubic form and a concrete facade, originally serving as the headquarters for Armstrong Rubber Co. from 1970 until it was sold to Pirelli, another tire company, in 1988.
In 2000, the building was sold, slated for demolition to make room for a shopping mall. However, more than twenty years later, it has been reborn as one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in the United States.
Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the Hotel Marcel is a completely emissions-free hotel, featuring 165 rooms, a 9,000+ square-foot conference center, and a full-service restaurant. In 2020, architect and developer Bruce Redman Becker, purchased the building to transform it into a sustainable and distinctive property, marking his first venture into the hotel industry.
Becker explains, "I've always been intrigued by how I can use my talents to positively transform buildings and spaces. It was clear to me that this was the perfect chance to create a hotel that contributed to resolving the climate crisis and served as an example of environmental sustainability."
Despite the exterior of the building evoking an earlier time, the hotel sets a high standard for sustainability in the hospitality industry. It has achieved both Passive House and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certifications, the highest level in the LEED program, which promote eco-friendly construction and design.
Regent Hong Kong has redefined luxury for the entire city by operating on 100% renewable electricity, powering lighting, heating, air-conditioning, and hot water with over 1,000 solar panels on its rooftop and parking canopies instead of fossil fuels.
The building itself has been repurposed, opting to reuse an existing structure rather than construct something new, which is beneficial given the significant environmental impact of new construction on global greenhouse gas emissions.
While the exterior remains unchanged, Becker and his team reconceived the interior, incorporating Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting, a new low-voltage technology that uses less power than traditional wiring and reduced the building's lighting energy use by over 30%. They also installed triple-glazed windows for superior insulation, reducing heat loss and the energy required to heat or cool the interior. This not only makes the building more eco-friendly but also more cost-effective.
"He says our operating costs are significantly lower than the average hotel in New Haven. The cost savings will encourage other developers and owners to prioritize sustainable design and operations."
In redeveloping the original Armstrong Rubber Company building, the architect prioritized sustainability while also preserving its historic integrity. The building was added to the State and National Register of Historic Places in 2020 and 2021, respectively, which led to a thorough review by the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office during the renovation.
Light wood and neutrals inside the Hotel Marcel.
Hilton
Becker + Becker collaborated with Dutch East Design, a Brooklyn-based interiors firm, to preserve the distinctive design features of the original building. The interior staircases, originally designed by Marcel Breuer, were meticulously restored using board-formed concrete walls, mahogany railings, and trapezoidal terrazzo stair treads.
Becker acknowledges that these stunning stairs are a feat of architecture, bearing striking resemblance to the ones designed by Breuer for the original Whitney Museum on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Additionally, various materials from the original interiors were repurposed, such as granite pavers from the lobby, restored light fixtures now equipped with energy-efficient lighting, and restored wood-paneled walls within nine waterfront rooms and suites that were formerly executive offices of the Armstrong Rubber Company.
Becker's wife and partner, Kraemer Sims Becker, has carefully chosen the art collection to reflect the hotel's commitment to sustainability and Bauhaus-inspired design. For instance, each king room features an original handmade textile wall hanging by Brooklyn artist Cory Emma Siegler, created from fabric samples that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
The hotel also showcases other sustainable elements and amenities, including locally-sourced ingredients at the restaurant, BLDG, homemade healthy dog treats for four-legged guests, electric vehicle charging stations, and a repurposed battery-powered 2016 airport shuttle for transporting guests around town.
The airplane from London to New York will be powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Experts warn that this is not a permanent solution. However, the hotel not only serves as a sustainable building and an attractive destination for architecture enthusiasts and travelers looking for a place with a storied past, but also has significant implications for the hospitality industry.
Part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, Hotel Marcel embodies the global hotel brand's Travel with Purpose initiative aimed at promoting responsible travel and tourism. The sustainable technologies utilized by Becker and his team to develop the Hotel Marcel are not only cost-effective and readily available, but also easily replicable, creating an all-electric zero-emission model. Beyond its industry awards and sustainable practices, Hotel Marcel serves as a catalyst for transformation within the entire hospitality industry.
