Savannah, Georgia, is renowned for its enchanting cobblestone streets, draped in Spanish moss and lined with elegant Antebellum-era homes. Yet, beyond this quintessential charm, the Hostess City holds a lesser-known architectural secret: a collection of distinctive Moderne and Midcentury Modern tower blocks that punctuate its historic squares. Among these stands the six-story First Federal Savings & Loan Association Building on Broughton Street, a landmarked postwar structure that has, for six decades, captivated with its gray granite volumes, white concrete frames, and iconic blue mosaic tile walls.
A Visionary Transformation: The Municipal Grand Hotel
This 36,000-square-foot edifice has recently undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, emerging as the 44-key Municipal Grand Hotel. The ambitious project, spearheaded by polyvalent firm AAmp Studio in collaboration with local experts Ward Architecture + Preservation, aimed not merely to renovate but to celebrate and even amplify the building’s inherent textural complexities. Their approach began with a meticulous peeling back of existing layers, revealing hidden details that became the very inspiration for the hotel’s non-structural design interventions.
Honoring History Through Modern Interpretation
“The challenges in taking a landmarked former bank—and later municipal building—and transforming it into a full-service hotel experience were evident from the start,” explains Andrew Ashey, co-founder of AAmp Studio. “But rather than be daunted by the task, we saw it as an amazing opportunity for creative design interventions that united historic and new in a very holistic fashion.” This philosophy echoes the interpretive preservation ideals of 19th-century theorist Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who advocated for a building’s continued relevance through contemporary advancements rather than mere superficial replication. AAmp Studio’s strategy involved the precise introduction of deeply referential yet softening finishes and curvilinear elements, additions that respectfully distinguish themselves from the original structure.
Public Spaces: A Tropical Modernist Oasis
The transformation begins at the ground floor, where a once-uninviting entrance now beckons with fresh illumination, inviting lounge seating, and lush planters. This seamless transition leads into a double-height lobby, the heart of the hotel’s hospitality. Here, an expansive bar and a thoughtful array of seating arrangements create a vibrant social hub. Original blue tile mosaics, wrapping the columns, set the tone for a tropical modernist sensibility that permeates all public areas—a fitting design response to Savannah’s often-sweltering climate. Throughout, one can discern subtle nods to the botanical motifs of Roberto Burle Marx and the organic forms of Oscar Niemeyer.
Designed to thrive at all hours, the Municipal Grand’s public spaces seamlessly transition from a family-friendly restaurant by day to a lively watering hole by night. A former bank boardroom has been ingeniously repurposed into an intimate private dining space. Ryan Diggins, partner and CEO at Midnight Auteur, emphasizes their dedication: “We hold a deep, and slightly obsessive, reverence for the all-day lobby bar, which is really the foundation of Midnight Auteur. We love the idea of immersing our team and our guests in a vibrant, celebratory experience that only a hotel lobby bar can appropriately capture.”
Exclusive Retreats and Rooftop Views
Beyond the main lobby, the hotel offers further distinct experiences. The basement houses the concealed-access Hot Eye cocktail lounge, a sophisticated haven adorned with dark terrazzo, deep-stained wood, and rich red hues. Ascend to the rooftop, and you’ll discover the Sun Club, a vibrant space adjoining the pool, which is lined with an azure zellige tile wall and offers some of Savannah’s most breathtaking views.
Guest Rooms: Nordic Serenity Meets Midcentury Charm
The 44 guest rooms, available in five tiers, present a more subdued, sand-toned aesthetic, yet remain perfectly aligned with the property’s overarching Midcentury Modern character. Here, the influence of Finnish master Alvar Aalto is subtly woven into the design. Each room features a bathroom-anchoring vestibule in a rich shade of green, leading through elegant millwork thresholds into the main sleeping areas. Red marble countertops, serving as both minibars and desks, contrast beautifully with style-appropriate curved mirrors, undulating banquette seating ideal for remote work, and plush headboards. Highly detailed terrazzo floors unify the design, while select suites boast private balconies overlooking the bustling Broughton Street.
A Harmonious Blend of Eras and Influences
The Municipal Grand Hotel stands as a testament to thoughtful design, expertly marrying site responsiveness—both to its historic building and the vibrant surrounding neighborhood—with sophisticated references to international design movements. It’s a rare modernist gem, sensitively restored and transformed into a thriving, public-facing hotel that celebrates its past while embracing a contemporary, globally-inspired culture.
What: Municipal Grand Hotel
Where: Savannah, Georgia
Starting Rate: $281 per night
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