Melrose Hotel Conference Center Addition Landscape

Built in 1924 and located in the heart of Oak Lawn, the Warwick Melrose Hotel is one of only 200 hotels in the Unites States that has been recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance, Warwick solicited GFF Architecture to design and document a $4 million, 13,500 SF a one-story conference center. As a part of that work, GFF Planning was asked to design and document the site work. This work included the rehabilitation and expansion of the surface parking lot, creation of an elegant “motor court” which preserved a large number of existing live oaks, and added new features such as enhanced paving and a sculpture. As well, an intimate 5,000 sqft pool courtyard will be undertaken as a part of the conference center expansion. Surrounded by a 8’-0” ht. decorative brick wall and columns, this courtyard will include a 1,400 SF heated swimming pool with lap lane, water features, private pool cabanas, an indoor / outdoor bar area and incorporates plantings that both blend and extend the existing planting design of the hotel.