PITTSBURGH, PA – The Industrialist Hotel, Autograph Collection, opened in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, serving as a key development in the renaissance of the city's historic downtown. The highly anticipated 124-room hotel, owned by HRI Properties, LLC and managed by HRI Lodging, LLC, is housed within the iconic, 18-story landmark Arrott building effortlessly blending old and new by design.
The hotel joins Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, a group of more than 200 hotels around the world hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality. The hotel, inspired by Pittsburgh’s resilient history as a steel capital, was meticulously restored and renovated by Desmone Architects and designed by Stonehill Taylor, and features a dynamic lobby bar, social lounge with fireplace and communal seating, fitness center and signature modern American restaurant, The Rebel Room, also opening today.
“The revival of this iconic building captures the spirit of Pittsburgh and honors the movers and shakers that built the city,” says Robert Brashler, general manager. “The hotel thoughtfully articulates the new industrialists shaping Pittsburgh’s future through engaging interactions and inspired spaces. We look forward to welcoming guests to The Industrialist to enjoy an authentically crafted, local experience.”
Design & History
The building, constructed in 1902 for James Arrott - known as the “Bathtub King of Pittsburgh” for being the first in the region to offer enameled iron bathtubs through his manufacturing business ─ was added to the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks list in 2000. While the historic façade holds rich architectural details, Stonehill Taylor intentionally designed the hotel’s modernized interiors to reflect themes of smoke and molten metal juxtaposed with meticulously preserved details from the turn of the century, including original marble walls, ornate ceilings and iconic arched windows.
The focal point of the ground floor entrance are two modern metal sculptural chandeliers inspired by machinery and steel fabrication. Guestrooms feature a monochromatic color palette, leather accents, smoke-like abstract artworks and ambient lighting, while bathrooms feature dark granite tile, fire-colored custom wallcoverings and brass fixtures. The property’s three stylish suite options, including a regal Presidential Suite overlooking the city, feature expansive layouts, distressed oak flooring and floor-to-ceiling skyline backdrops. Rooms are equipped with plush robes, free high speed WiFi, TV streaming capabilities, pet-friendly amenities upon request, access to the 1,000 square foot fitness center and services such as limousine and car rental options, grocery shopping concierge, dry-cleaning and valet parking.
The Industrialist features more than 1,200 square feet of multi-purpose event space, for meetings and social gatherings, including The Exchange Room, with views of the city and seating for up to 48 people, and The Founders boardroom and library.
Eat & Drink
Helmed by Executive Chef Gavin Hetrick, The Industrialist features a vibrant second-floor lobby lounge, signature restaurant, in-room dining and robust catering capabilities. The Industrialist Lounge, the social center of the hotel and a hub for downtown’s after-work crowd, offers DIY-projects served alongside craft cocktails. With drinks or seasonal nibbles in-hand, guests can embrace the maker spirit for which Pittsburgh is known via the “Makers Menu.” The rotating roster of projects includes leather, parchment and candle making – many of which feature partnerships with local Pittsburgh artisans – along with hands-on workshops, communal seating and happy hour specials.
The Rebel Room, a stylish bar and signature restaurant influenced by Pittsburgh’s revolutionaries, draws in passersby through its street-level entrance. Aligning with the strong mixology program, the bar itself is a focal point imitating a large hearth with warm backlighting, copper mesh coverings and a two-toned patina bar top reminiscent of molten steel. While wine, draft beer and signature craft cocktails like In Rebel Fashion with Basil Hayden’s 10 year Rye may be sipped at the bar, guests can also indulge in menu standouts such as Sweet Potato Poutine and Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna, or heartier dishes such as Short Rib and Steak Frites. The Rebel Room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.