Makeover of Rochester Strathallan enhances upscale status

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The Strathallan, long recognized as one of Rochester’s premier hotels, is undergoing an extreme makeover that will further enhance the reputation for upscale lodging.

The lobby, bar and restaurant have been re-created, the 157 rooms are being refurbished and hallways, murals and the fitness center have been remodeled.

“There are a lot of great hotels in town but we strive to be the best,” owner Dave Christa said. “The design elements you see here are what you see in a lot of big-city hotels.”

The Strathallan is a Tapestry Collection by Hilton franchise, and the flag very much fits the hotel’s vibe. Tucked within the Neighborhood of the Arts at the corner of East Avenue and Strathallan Park, the urban boutique hotel champions the culture and history of the area.

The Memorial Art Gallery is a block away. The Rochester Museum and Science Center is about three blocks. The George Eastman Museum is about seven blocks away.

“That’s why Tapestry was the right brand for this hotel,” Rettberg said. “They want you to embrace the neighborhood.”

The makeover is part of the Tapestry requirement, Christa said. Rooms must be updated every 10 or 12 years.

But Christa decided the entire property could use a fresh look, so the team at Christa Development embarked on the approximately $8 million project late last fall, all while still welcoming guests.

The front desk was moved from the main entry area to the rear wall of the lobby. A gathering area with a 95-inch television was created where the front desk once stood. A glass enclosed fireplace sits adjacent to the couches and chairs. The bar and restaurant also were gutted and revamped.

“The lobby is now much more of a social gathering space,” hotel general manager Jay Rettberg.

The eight floors of guest rooms have been — or are being — upgraded with new furniture, flooring, drapery, wall coverings and fixtures are all new, said Ian Denaro, project manager of Christa Development. Floors five through nine have been completed. Floors two through four will be finished by April 1, which is about two months ahead of the original schedule.

Of course, it helps when the project owner is also the contractor.

“I’m super proud of our team,” Christa said. “This hotel is in an iconic location and I’m very proud of this property.”

Keeping the project local was important as well. Hanlon Architects created the design plans. Fab Well provided the custom metal fabrication for fixtures above the lobby bar. Archwood Inc. produced the bankettes, wine racks and parts of the bar. VRD Decorating Inc. handled wall coverings and painting. E.G. Sackett Co. Inc. redid all of the tile work.

“We knew everybody involved and a lot of the owners and workers were also patrons, so they all had skin in the game,” said Eric Neu, construction manager and site superintendent for Christa Development.

The building originally was built in 1975 as an apartment building for seniors but the project flopped. Developers were unable to find tenants for the 86 units and the property sat empty until around 1980, when it was repurposed into an upscale hotel.

Today the Strathallan has 157 rooms: 22 per floor on floors two through eight and three suites on the rooftop ninth floor. There are balconies with 129 of the rooms.

“Because this was built as an apartment building, the windows are oversized, the room are oversized,” Rettberg said.

There was no cookie-cutter floor plan, however. There are 16 different layouts for the rooms.

The clientele is a mix of business and leisure travelers. During the week, the Strathallan is very much a corporate hotel. On the weekends, however, it is far more social — and local.

“This is absolutely a staycation hotel,” Rettberg said.

The rooftop certainly plays into that appeal, with the City View Ballroom and the bar, Hattie’s Lounge, providing a treetop view of the neighborhood, as well as the city skyline off in the distance.

“I liken it to New Jersey’s view of New York City,” Rettberg said.

Hattie’s was named for the late Hattie Harris, who had a hand in the creation of the hotel, was a prominent activist and, as a neighbor, was known as the Mayor of Strathallan Park.

But as much as the hotel provides comfort and serves as an escape, rooms and amenities are the No. 1 asset, Christa said.

“It’s the team — the front desk, housekeeping, the bartenders and event staff, everyone,” he said. “One of the key words we see continually in review is ‘friendly.’ ”

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