ABSTRACT
David Baker Architects’ work, including this hotel, focuses on creating public spaces, connecting to the community, and centering sustainability. Their “community-based hospitality” design process, while very interested in the guest experience, is also focused on making the surrounding town better by connecting to the culture and people of the place. The lobby and roof deck are public spaces for guests and locals alike, allowing for organic connections between the two. The team even worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and local advocacy groups to restore the riparian habitat of Foss Creek, which runs through the back of the property, removing the invasive plant species, preserving native vegetation, and protecting the wildlife, including the endangered Rainbow Trout, Coho, and Chinook Salmon, and the Western Pond Turtle in the area for this LEED Gold project. The design team also looked for building materials that are authentic to the community, durable, and able to patina over time, often working with local artisans, fabricators, and artists to further support the community and reinforce the sense of place.
