Motto by Hilton Indianapolis — Historic Integrity • Modern Efficiency • Adaptive Reuse Excellence
Motto by Hilton | King Cole Building Redevelopment
Preserving History, Engineering Tomorrow’s Hospitality
The historic
King Cole / Kahn Building at 1 N. Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis
is being reborn as a
Motto by Hilton hotel — a careful fusion of early-20th-century architecture
and contemporary adaptive-reuse design. With a $54 million investment, the project preserves the façade while
modernizing the interior into a 116-room lifestyle hotel.
Built 1916
47,000 sq ft Renovation
Historic Preservation
116 Rooms Planned
The Motto by Hilton redevelopment of the King Cole Building blends architectural preservation with
new mechanical and plumbing systems engineered for efficiency and guest comfort.
Historic & Design Visuals
From Kahn Tailoring to Motto by Hilton: History & Redevelopment Context
The Building’s Legacy
Originally constructed in 1916, the King Cole Building — also known as the Kahn Tailoring Building —
once housed shops, offices, and restaurants. Over decades, it fell into vacancy but retained
architectural significance in Indianapolis’s urban core.
Redevelopment Vision
The $54 million project transforms 47,000 square feet into a Hilton Motto hotel with three restaurants,
including a rooftop venue and speakeasy, while preserving the historic façade.
Project Timeline
Announced in 2022, the project faced delays due to cost pressures but resumed in early 2025 with
completion targeted for Q4 2026 — balancing heritage with modern construction demands.
Bathroom & Plumbing Strategy in Adaptive Reuse
Converting a historic commercial structure into a modern hotel requires careful integration of plumbing, ventilation,
and bathroom systems within tight geometries and preservation limits.
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Function
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Strategy / Specification
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Purpose / Benefit
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Toilets
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Dual-flush or high-efficiency models with compact tank profiles
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Water savings and suitability for tight bathroom layouts
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Showers / Wet Areas
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Thermostatic mixing valves, rain + hand shower combination, frameless glass enclosures
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Consistent pressure and modern luxury within limited space
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Lavatory Fixtures
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Single-handle faucets with ceramic cartridges and matching finish lines
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Durability and design cohesion across guest rooms
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Finishes & Hardware
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PVD or brushed nickel finishes, corrosion-resistant materials
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Longevity under heavy turnover and repeated cleaning
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Drainage & Waterproofing
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Linear drains, membranes, graded slope, service access
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Leak prevention in retrofit conditions
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Infrastructure
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Modern risers, recirculation loops, pressure zones, acoustic insulation
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Reliable performance without disturbing historic structure
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Lighting & Mirrors
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Vanity lighting, anti-fog mirrors, warm color temperature
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Usability and atmosphere consistent with heritage interiors
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Accessibility
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ADA-compliant rooms with grab bars and roll-in showers
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Inclusivity and regulatory compliance
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Adaptive Reuse Constraints & Solutions
Stacking Bathrooms
Bathrooms aligned vertically to reduce new shaft requirements and limit core penetrations.
Historic Preservation
Routing services without impacting façade elements or decorative walls maintains heritage value.
Sound & Moisture Control
Pipe insulation and modern ventilation systems prevent noise transfer and humidity damage in old construction.
Pressure & Balancing
Balancing valves and zoned supply lines ensure stable water delivery throughout floors.
Bathrooms & Brand Experience for Motto by Hilton
Smart Design for Compact Spaces
Motto’s philosophy centers on efficient, intentional use of space. Bathrooms must be functional yet beautiful,
translating historic texture into modern comfort.
Guest Perception & Touchpoints
Water pressure, fixture smoothness, and lighting quality define guest impressions in a compact room.
Every fixture is a brand ambassador.
Operational Reliability
Durable plumbing and accessible systems limit downtime and service interruptions in a tight urban footprint.
Sustainability & Efficiency
Water-efficient fixtures and modern heating loops support Hilton’s ESG goals while reducing operational costs
in a historic conversion.
Local Narrative
Design touches — materials, colors, or tile patterns — can echo Indianapolis’s craft and Kahn Tailoring’s legacy,
rooting the bathroom in local storytelling.
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