Located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis, USA, the 21c Museum Hotel transforms a historic landmark by drawing on the building's history as a community hub while seamlessly integrating contemporary art and boutique amenities. Originally built in the 1920s for the YMCA, the meticulous restoration and reimagination of the 10-story Renaissance Revival-style building includes 173 rooms, a contemporary art museum, a restaurant, café, athletic facilities, and exhibit and meeting spaces.

The design ethos revolved around preserving the building's rich history while infusing it with modern functionality and artistic allure. Drawing inspiration from the YMCA's mission, the vision was to create a space that honors its past while offering a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Walls and ceilings throughout the public spaces were opened to expand visual connections using arches and soft curving forms to echo the existing architectural language. A neutral base palette allows experiential engagement with the art alongside textural layering of pattern and color. New materiality of leather and wood sits considerately within the existing historic fabric—offering its own patina and story.

The conversion of the lap pool into a spa showcases a commitment to offering modern amenities while preserving the hotel's character. Repurposing the ballrooms into double-height museum exhibition spaces creates a unique experience where guests can engage with art and culture within the property. Integrating art installations throughout the hotel, such as the fully immersive staircase and the grand lobby's eight-foot reflective orb of water, adds a bold juxtaposition to the historical framework. These elements contribute to an atmosphere that encourages guests to explore and interact with curated artworks. An emphasis on local artists ensures a connection to the community, further enhancing the cultural dialogue. Overall, this approach to the design successfully combines history, art, and hospitality, offering guests a truly unique and immersive experience that goes beyond traditional accommodation.

Hufft designed and fabricated furniture elements that speak to the different functions and needs of the tapas restaurant – an 'action station' as a dramatic, oversized bar cart where the staff can serve sangria in a celebratory fashion, a 'gueridon' where water carafes and dishware can be displayed, and a rolling butcher block station where fresh bread is cut. All items are made with a combination of hand-milled solid maple, then routed on the CNC, and carefully placed in bent steel.

The adaptive reuse of the previous YMCA brings new life not only through the salvaging of elements within, but also through the renewal of its spirit. Restoration of a nearly century-old building presented its challenges, but to overcome these hurdles, the team collaborated closely focusing on preserving the historic fabric while balancing modern-day needs.