Header: Ray Castro
Named after an architect and historic preservationist, Albert Keidel, the Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg culls from the family’s 175-year legacy. The connection between the renowned architect and the city in Texas goes back to 1847 when Albert’s great-grandfather arrived to serve as the town doctor and judge. The Keidel family pharmacy and homestead are incorporated into the new hotel development.
Four objects unified within one cohesive site design
Clayton Korte, the main architectural studio, and New Waterloo, an interior design company, have added sophistication to the boutique hotel by merging its rich history with a contemporary approach. The site consists of several structures, the oldest of which, the Keidel family home, was built in 1860. Ten years later, the Brockmann-Kiehne House was constructed, followed by the White Elephant Saloon (1888) and Keidel Pharmacy (1906).
Guest rooms and amenities
The 105 guest rooms offer a variety of options, ranging from bunkrooms and suites to a separate house, each featuring tailor-made amenities and bespoke furniture. The site spanning two acres also includes two bars, three restaurants, and a private dining room. Visitors can relax and refresh in a sunken outdoor limestone pool and lounge, and a 2,000-square-foot full-service spa, or get in shape in the fitness centre.
“The hotel, spa, and multiple dining options are a significant contribution to the hospitality scene in the Texas Hill Country. With a Michelin-starred chef at the helm, we’re excited to watch the project’s success grow.”
Travis Greig AIA, Associate
Texas-inspired material palette
Inspired by the landscape of the Hill Country, the material palette centres on wood siding and a custom raked stucco finish design to capture the sunlight during the day. A spacious roof mitigates the sun’s influence on interior spaces and walkways.
Albert Keidel’s global sensibilities are mirrored in the interior design that is at the same time simple and warm, layered and eclectic. Native Texas vegetation, such as live oaks and mesquites, is incorporated into the landscape along with repurposed materials to create twisting gardens and pathways through the site.
The renovation of the historic Albert Hotel and a new 106,200 sq. ft addition turn a historic site into a must-visit destination. Through the selection of the material palette and placement of the new hotel behind the historic buildings, Clayton Korte connects the new volume with the history and landscape of Texas.
Technical sheet
Internal Project team: Paul Clayton, George Wilcox, Travis Greig, Sydney Steadman
Architect: Clayton Korte
Interior Design: New Waterloo, Melanie Raines
Operator & Developer: New Waterloo
General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors
Landscape Architect: Word + Carr Design Group
MEP Engineer: Cleary Zimmermann
Structural Engineer: Leap!
Civil Engineer: VEI Consulting Engineers
