In the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, at the intersection of Sixth and Market Street, stands The Quoin – a luxury boutique hotel that blends the charm of history with the allure of contemporary interior design. Recently crowned the winner in Interior Design – Hospitality: Hotel and Resort at the prestigious BLT Built Design Awards, The Quoin is a visionary work of Stokes Architecture + Design and Method Studios. Lead designers Richard Stokes and Dan Olsovsky, along with the architect from Stokes Architecture + Design, have transformed the former historic Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company Building into a hospitality landmark that pays homage to its rich legacy.
The Quoin is housed within a four-story Victorian Romanesque brownstone dating back to 1885, originally crafted by the renowned architect Frank Furness. Stokes Architecture + Design has preserved the building’s exterior, with a focus on restoring details such as arched windows and moldings. This commitment to historical authenticity serves as a backdrop to the innovative design elements introduced within.
With 24 contemporary guest rooms, The Quoin embraces a sophisticated aesthetic with Shaker-inspired furniture and custom oak herringbone flooring. The lobby cafe and bar feature an original fireplace and a custom-built haberdashery, creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with both history and modernity. The sprawling first-floor restaurant opens onto an outdoor patio facing the Delaware History Society’s gardens, providing a unique dining experience.
One of The Quoin‘s standout features is the subterranean cocktail bar, adorned with original vaulted brick ceilings and captivating room-spanning murals. This hidden gem invites guests to immerse themselves in a unique ambiance, combining the historical charm of the space with contemporary artistic expressions. Additionally, the hotel introduces the city’s first rooftop bar and event space, strategically concealed from street view to preserve the historic exterior.
The name “Quoin,” an Old French word meaning “corner” or “angle,” pays homage to the building’s original purpose as the home of the Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company. In the 1900s, this banking house safeguarded silver and gold coins, and The Quoin gracefully preserved this legacy while embracing its new identity as a luxury boutique hotel.
Stokes Architecture + Design successfully emphasizes the town’s rich past and mixes it with a promising future by skillfully blending vintage and modern industrial elements. The use of a variety of materials and techniques, along with the thoughtful utilization of the irregular, narrow footprint, results in an impressive, multi-faceted structure. The Quoin exudes a contemporary sensibility that seamlessly integrates into the existing panorama of the historic town, leaving an indelible mark on Wilmington.
With its nod to history, innovative spaces, and commitment to preserving architectural heritage, this luxury boutique hotel leaves an indelible mark on the city’s architectural legacy.
