The luxurious Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, was once a waterfront barrel and rope factory. This renovated structure now has 72 boutique guest rooms. As part of the update, it was important to retain the character of the original turn of the century building, which opened in 1901. In order to convert the cold, utilitarian factory space into comfortable rooms, a major mechanical update was required. By adding radiant floor heat, they were able to meet and exceed the comfort benchmark of a modern-day hotel while balancing for energy efficiency.
Rooms with exposed brick, large windows and original wood beam structural details convey a historical sense of what Brooklyn would have been like in 1901. At the time of original construction, timber framing and brick were the structural materials of choice before reinforced concrete gained popularity in Brooklyn. The original craftsmanship and durability of the building are part of the intrigue for a guest stay. However, guests do not prefer to shiver all night in a drafty hotel room. The very qualities that make the original Wythe Hotel building interesting and historic set up the mechanical community for a tough task to deliver comfort.