Lexington, kentucky.

The Manchester

Scope: Interior Design, Art Program, Uniforms, Digital Content

Owner & Developer: Hank Morris, Nik Feldman

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass region and evolving Distillery District, The Manchester is the first high-end hotel in the horse and bourbon capital of the world. The 125-room hotel design concept stemmed from a locally-rooted, bespoke design language that celebrates the dichotomy of the distillery industry with the spirit of Lexington’s deep equestrian roots. The concept for “Granddam”—The 140-seat Lobby Restaurant & Bar— was inspired by a legacy of strong-willed femme figures who claimed their respect in the equestrian community over the years. The space is filled with stable inspired walnut millwork, rickhouse inspired green clay tiles, and locally-commissioned photography of modern-era pioneering female jockeys (“Karma,” below), layered in with a few vintage nods to the historic female legends of Lexington (Anita Madden & Belle Brezing).

In Guest Bedrooms & Suites, the rickhouse-revival arched motifs from the Lobby continue at a smaller scale at the headboard, and through an arched tile portal at the spacious rainshowers. The Guestroom color palette evokes the rich hues of the Bluegrass region, utilizing shades of blue and green, and rich natural timber materials throughout. Leather-wrapped details at the headboard and millwork pay homage to the Equestrian roots, while the art program features portraits of local heroes (like Blues Legend Tee Dee Young) & hand-typed poetry from local poets.

Lost Palm, the Rooftop bar & lounge, boasts flamboyant yet sophisticated art deco-era interiors. The vibrant 115-seat venue celebrates the nostalgic spirit of 1960’s South Florida horse racing culture (Lexington’s equestrian sister city in the tropics). The space takes cues from retro Palm Beach style prints, while repeating the same rickhouse-inspired arched forms found in the lobby. The art program features modern photography by Ryan Jay, commissioned by the ownership team specifically for the property, with B&W shots (framed in gilded bamboo) taken at the infamous overgrown Hialeah horse racetrack, just outside of Miami. As described by Laura Joralemon “The 1960s-inspired indoor-outdoor bar pairs tiki drinks with Southern-meets-tropical dishes amid potted palms, cane furniture, and even a plastic flamingo, standing as one-legged proof of the Manchester’s unbridled charm.”