Explore Marquette sits inside one of downtown Marquette’s historic stone buildings, with walls of local sandstone and old brick that have held their ground through more than a century of Lake Superior winters. The brief was to make it feel new and comfortable for today’s traveler while keeping the building’s history at the center of the design. Explore Marquette became a boutique hotel that feels like Marquette itself.
The Plan: Let History Lead
The original sandstone of the building carries reds, rusts, and soft grays. Arched brick openings show exactly where the building has been patched, reinforced, and loved over the years. We didn’t want to cover any of that up, so we pulled from the landscape just outside the door: deep forest and lake greens, warm wood tones, aged brass, and a touch of terracotta that echoes the brick. Velvet, wool plaid, stone, and patinated metal give every room a specific feel.
PROJECT REVEAL: EXPLORE MQT
Moody green corridors with tufted velvet and amber pendants lead to sage-toned guest rooms layered with plaid wool, alabaster, and framed historic masonry. Up on the rooftop terrace, the stone walls continue beside relaxed lounge seating, café lights, and views of downtown Marquette.
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