Rockbridge officially opened Noelle, a reimagined 224-room hotel housed in the former home of one of downtown Nashville’s first luxury properties, Noel Place.
The property is located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Church Street in historic Printers Alley, and was developed by MAKEREADY, a company designed to create and operate hotel, restaurant and retail brands.
“Our plan was ambitious, so we knew we needed a team that could identify, collaborate and build great local partners,” Jim Merkel, CEO of Rockbridge, said in a statement. “The group we created is distinctly local and deeply collaborative, and that’s what makes Noelle so special.”
“Noelle represents an incredible assemblage of Nashville talents and personalities, celebrating the facets that make the city such a compelling destination for visitors,” Christine Magrann, COO of MAKEREADY, said in a statement. “Our philosophy is to trust our local experts, amplify their efforts with MAKEREADY hospitality and operations know-how, and give them the tools and resources to bring fresh perspective that benefits locals as well as visitors.”
The 13-story building was converted by Nashville-based architects Feltus Hawkins Design, Nick Dryden of Dryden Architecture and Design and creative branding experts Peck & Company, led by Benji Peck. The team preserved the historic hotel, first opened in 1930 by the Noels, a prominent Nashville family.
Noelle will include on-site amenities and social spaces, including a restaurant, Makeready Libations & Liberation; a rooftop bar, Rare Bird; a coffee shop, Drug Store Coffee; a retail store, Keep Shop; and a working print shop, Little Prints. A new tower, complete with a rooftop lounge, expands Noelle’s original footprint while offering a new downtown vantage point, with views overlooking the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium.
All 224 guestrooms and suites have king-sized beds, with four 12th floor VIP suites including floor-to-ceiling windows with views of downtown Nashville. There are additional king suites on property, as well as a selection of double-king and adjoining rooms. Saidee Gallery, a ballroom with its original arched windows, is designed to host gatherings and celebrations, while nearby meeting rooms will offer event and group capabilities. A fitness center with Peloton bikes rounds out the guest amenities.
Design details such as a restored terrazzo floors, original brass hardware and soft pink Tennessee granite walls were maintained, while new additions include geometric Art Deco patterning carved into the wood ceilings in the guestrooms. A blue heron character, conceptualized by Peck & Company, is represented throughout the property.
The food and beverage program is anchored by the ground floor restaurant Makeready Libations & Liberation. Led by executive chef Dan Herget, the menu consists of an elevated tavern concept inspired by the original shift workers who spent their days toiling in Printers Alley, located just outside the restaurant. Elsewhere, classic cocktails and conversation co-mingle in the lobby bar, Trade Room, while the rooftop lounge, Rare Bird, includes seasonal cocktails and fresh bites. Just off the lobby, Drug Store Coffee will be operated in collaboration with Andy Mumma of the Nashville coffee company, Barista Parlor. In-room dining will offer selections from the menu at Makeready Libations & Liberation.
Noelle is part of Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s newest collection brand of independent hotels and resorts. Located at 200 Fourth Avenue North in Nashville, Tenn., MAKEREADY will oversee the hotel's management, operations, curation and partnerships