Coming Soon: The St. Elmo Hotel
The Project
Nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of Ouray, Colorado, the St. Elmo Hotel has been a cornerstone of this historic mining town since 1898. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings and part of Ouray's National Historic District, this is not just a hotel; it is a living piece of American history. The scope of this project was as ambitious as the woman who built it: a full renovation of all nine original guest rooms, the addition of two new guest rooms, a transformation of the common spaces, and a reimagining of two restaurant spaces. All without losing a single ounce of soul.
The Inspo
The north star of this project was Aunt Kitty herself - Katherine O'Brien Heit, the first female landowner in Ouray (quite a feat for the times) and one of the most remarkable women you've likely never heard of. Bold, generous, and quietly revolutionary, Kitty ran this hotel as if every guest was family, because to Kitty, they were. The design honors her story at every turn; original wallpaper preserved wherever possible, vintage furniture incorporated alongside modern comforts, bold pattern, colorful tile that playfully nods to the hotel's vintage spirit, and art and photography celebrating the hotel's rich history. But make no mistake: this is not your grandmother's historic hotel. Kitty was punk rock before punk rock existed, and the design reflects exactly that.
The Client
The St. Elmo is owned by a growing boutique hotel group with a singular focus: rescuing and restoring historic hotels with the care and intention they deserve. They understood from the start that this project required more than good design, it required a deep respect for history and the vision to make it feel relevant again. They handed me the keys and trusted me completely, and the result is a hotel that feels as alive today as it did when Kitty first opened its doors in 1898. A hotel where the design is just the beginning; the mountains are outside, the town is at your doorstep, and every corner of the St. Elmo invites you to slow down and stay awhile.