A vibrant renovation enlivens a historic hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

In the post–Civil War era, the Rueger family owned the Lafayette Saloon in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. The bar, which was near the Lafayette Artillery Armory, included boarding rooms for guests who had too much to drink. By 1913, the family built the Hotel Rueger, a classic 10-story hotel that the local newspaper declared an “ornament to the city.”

Fast forward to today — through several owners and many renovations — and discover that the same building has been transformed with a fresh take on hospitality. The principals of SMI Hotel Group had a vision that the newly renovated hotel, now called The Commonwealth, would feature the lively local culture and honor the history of the building and the family that built it. “They wanted to focus on the city itself, creating a Richmond-centric hotel,” says Tiffany Smithson, director of sales at The Commonwealth. “We are right in the heart of the government and corporate districts, but the hotel is anything but conventional. We offer a truly unique Richmond experience. And we’ve kept the family legacy going through the name of our restaurant, Rueger’s — we even serve a signature moonshine cocktail as a nod to the original bar.”

The lobby of The Commonwealth in Richmond, Virginia, is filled with work from local artisans. (Photo by Ansel Olson)

Baskervill, a design firm in Richmond, was tasked with creating a space that would immerse guests in the local vibe. Interior designer Anna Kreyling was inspired by the local culture when she added creative touches to every space. For instance, each guest suite is named for celebrities from Richmond, such as singer Jason Mraz and politicians who were regulars at the hotel. Richmond’s booming tattoo market is represented on the doors of the suites, which were “tattooed” by Charles Berger of Two Pillars Tattoo and local muralist Austin Fitch. Regional creatives such as Mickael Broth painted murals on the elevator landings of each of the 10 floors. And artwork by local artists featuring Richmond-based themes hangs throughout the hotel.

“Tattooed” guest room doors celebrate the popular tattoo culture of the area. (Photo by Ansel Olson)

Kreyling chose Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color of the Year Oceanside SW 6496 (172-C7) to coat the living room of each guest suite. “She actually chose that color in 2014 when plans for the renovation began,” Smithson says. “It shows how forward-thinking this project has been.” Oceanside and Black Fox SW 7020 (244-C7) in ProMar^® 200 Zero VOC Interior Latex Paint were used for the guest rooms to create cozy, relaxing places to sleep. Greenblack SW 6994 (251-C6) on the guest room doors helps the tattoo artwork visually pop. And Pearly White SW 7009 (254-C2) on the crown molding and trim in the rest of the hotel pairs well with the textured wallpaper.

Designer Anna Kreyling of Baskervill used the Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color of the Year on the walls of each guest suite. (Photo by Ansel Olson)

Black Fox SW 7020 (244-C7) was used on the walls of the guest bedrooms to promote a restful, cozy atmosphere. (Photo by Ansel Olson)

“If you would have told me that SMI would have a property like this in their portfolio when I started with the company many years ago, I would not have believed you,” Smithson says. “It’s a great addition to our offerings because it celebrates Richmond in such a special way.”