As the hospitality industry moves away from brand-standard “copy-paste” design, Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel embraces the shift with a site-responsive approach rooted in adaptive reuse. The 165-key hotel occupies the historic Gwynne Building, a Beaux-Arts landmark designed by early 20th-century architect Ernest Flagg and once home to Procter & Gamble’s headquarters. The transformation balances the preservation of that history with the needs of a contemporary city-center hotel.
Photography by Ali Harper; dourtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
Developer New Waterloo takes a considered approach to the property, betting that a stronger sense of place will resonate with today’s travelers. Stepping into the lobby, the immediate impression is one of restrained confidence. Rather than veering toward sterile minimalism or ostentatious luxury, the design team at Dallas-based Looney & Associates opted for a layered, almost residential treatment that draws on Cincinnati’s history as the so-called “Paris of America.”
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
The reference goes beyond surface-level thematic dressing. In the grand entry hall, reintroduced vaulted ceilings and steel flourishes replicate elements that once stood there. Bold wallcoverings, natural marble floors arranged in geometric patterns, and a carefully curated selection of art by local talents soften this nostalgic grandeur.
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
Through a set of recessed, curved passageways, signature restaurant Gwynne carries the approach forward in a shade of light salmon pink. Chef Brad Bernstein’s Ohio River Valley–inspired menu draws on Cincinnati’s historic “Porkopolis” legacy. Nearby, Cora’s All Day Café takes cues from the historic markets that once dotted the surrounding Fountain District. Opening onto the revitalized neighborhood, both spaces function as social hubs—urban living rooms of sorts.
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
Much of the guest experience is framed by deliberate tactile choices. The apartment-style guestrooms are intimate, moving away from a cavernous, impersonal aesthetic in favor of a residential, parlor-like feel. Unlacquered brass, hardwood floors, and layered textiles give the interiors the appearance of having evolved over time. Details extend to locally sourced minibars and plush Parachute bathrobes.
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
Throughout the property, a darker paint palette and decorative elements like frame moulding reinforce the connection between old and new while helping balance the perceived scale of rooms that might otherwise feel too small or large.
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
Restoring the National Register–listed Gwynne Building was technically complex. The highly ornamented structure is a composite of four distinct buildings with varying floor elevations and structural systems. To better unify the program, the architects and engineers introduced a new four-story light court, complete with a grand staircase. Beyond reinforcing the building’s historical character, this substantial architectural feature serves as a central artery, bringing air and light into the previously segmented interior. Similarly, the reopening of once-closed terraces keeps guests visually connected to the city’s skyline, tethering the hotel to its downtown setting.
Photography by Ali Harper; courtesy of Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel
In a market already home to established art-centric hospitality like the 21c Museum Hotel, Fidelity will have to establish an identity of its own. Its answer is less about singular “wow” moments or high-concept installations than the cumulative effect of architecture, materials, and details that feel rooted in the building itself. By honoring the Gwynne Building’s Beaux-Arts bones while embracing the intimacy of a modern pied-à-terre, New Waterloo gives the historic structure a new purpose without erasing the qualities that made it worth preserving in the first place.
