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DESIGN BUREAU
Design Thinking
Ames Hotel
Location: Boston, Massachusetts / First Opened: 1893 / Architect: ADD Inc. / Interior Design: Rockwell Group
I
f you have a bit of trouble pinpointing the Ames Hotel’s clientele, architect Fred Kramer of ADD Inc. has the answer: “It’s Benjamin Franklin meets supermodel to the max everyday.” A bizarre description, yes, yet strangely appropriate for the Ames. A notable modern feature of the 14-story building is the custom-made, all-glass shower in each room. “The showers are floating glass objects and are completely visible from anywhere in the room,”
says Vickie Alani, who spearheaded the renovation project for ADD Inc. Paranormal enthusiasts and practical jokesters will appreciate the Pepper’s Ghost illusions in the corridors. Created by John Henry Pepper in the 1860s, this optical illusion is seen as guests exit the elevator. Look straight ahead, and you’ll see a chandelier hanging overhead, but when you look up, it disappears. A spooky detail for an old haunt. a
Fun fact: The Pepper’s Ghost illusion is how the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World frightens young ones, and how a virtual John McEnroe greets tourists at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum in England.
Photos by BK Boley