b'F E A T U R E S T O R YMerkrete ensures style and sustainability in historic Washington, D.C. hotelR iggsWashingtonofthepropertysoriginaldesign DC,abrand- featurestoreimaginethestoried newindependentbuildingforthemoderntraveler. hotelfromLoreThe181-roompropertyfeatures Group in the capi- nostalgicgesturestothebuild-talsthrivingPenningsrichpast,drawingonthe Quarterneighbor- parallels between the activities that hood,openedontake place in banks and at hotels February6,2020tooffersomethingpersonaland withfanfare,onlyunexpected around every corner.tohavetotempo-rarily dim its lightsStyle and functionality sixweekslater,come togetherduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon entering Riggs, guests are Riggs, the fi rst U.S. property fromwelcomed into the buildings orig-theinternationalhospitalitycom- inalbarrel-vaultedlobbywhere pany behind renowned hotels Seathehotelsexpansiveceilingsare ContainersLondonandPulitzeradorned with impressive and elab-Amsterdam,islocatedontheorate coffers. A medallion of Juno downtowncornerof9thandFMoneta,theGoddessofMoney, Streetinahistoricbuildingoncepresides over the room, while orig-hometoRiggsNationalBank,inalfeatureshavebeengivena known as the Bank of Presidents. new lease of life and the grandeur In conceptualizing and designingof the building embraced to create the property, Lore Group invokedawelcomingandinspiredhotel the spirit of the former bank whilethat is deeply rooted in D.C. and preservingandrestoringmuchits impressive history.32 TileLetter | July 2020'