Historic Landmark Returns as Hotel Indigo Raleigh Raleigh's distinctive circular tower, a downtown fixture since 1969, has reopened as Hotel Indigo Raleigh following a $36 million transformation. The 204-room boutique hotel marks the brand's entry into the Raleigh market and represents a significant investment in the city's downtown revival. The property, owned by Tidal Real Estate Partners and managed by Sage Hospitality Group, had faced demolition before community preservation efforts saved it. The building earned historic landmark designation from the City of Raleigh in 2015.
Design Embraces Circular Architecture NYC-based Inc.
Architecture and Nashville's ESa led the design overhaul, preserving the building's iconic curved footprint while introducing contemporary interiors. The wedge-shaped guest rooms feature geometric patterns, polished chrome accents, and warm oak finishes that reference Raleigh's identity as the "City of Oaks." A curated collection of North Carolina artwork selected by nineDOTarts grounds the hotel in local culture. The ground floor was opened to create an expansive, light-filled community lounge. A vintage Airstream coffee bar occupies the courtyard, serving as a social hub for hotel guests, downtown workers, and residents.
High Ground Lounge Anchors Top Floor High Ground Lounge, located on the 20th floor, introduces Raleigh's highest rooftop cocktail bar. The space offers 360-degree skyline views and elevated Southern cuisine alongside craft cocktails. The menu presents contemporary takes on regional flavors, with dishes inspired by North Carolina and the broader South. Carlos Faz, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Raleigh, said: "This building has been part of Raleigh's story for generations, and we're incredibly proud to welcome guests and our neighbors back through its doors. Our goal is for the hotel to feel like a true community gathering place—somewhere travelers can experience the spirit of Raleigh and locals can meet for coffee, enjoy dinner and cocktails at High Ground or celebrate life's important moments. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through our doors, which is what this building has been known for decades." Travis E. "Tripp" Parker, principal at ESa, added: "So many people have a personal connection to this place, and there was a real sense of excitement around this new chapter. Its iconic circular form gives the hotel character you simply can't replicate in a new building. Our goal was to embrace what makes it unique while thoughtfully updating it for a new generation. From restoring its architectural character to transforming the ground floor into a more open, activated space, the restoration gives this landmark a renewed sense of purpose while celebrating what makes it special to the Raleigh community."
Amenities Support Events and Wellness The hotel features flexible meeting and event spaces, a 1,500-square-foot fitness center equipped with TechnoGym equipment, and outdoor courtyard gathering areas. The property is the sole IHG Hotels & Resorts downtown location in Raleigh and joins Hotel Indigo properties already operating in Asheville and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Daniel del Olmo, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, said: "Hotel Indigo Raleigh represents a meaningful investment in one of downtown Raleigh's most recognizable landmarks and in its future as a place that brings people together. We're excited to once again partner with Tidal Real Estate Partners and grateful to the Sage and project teams whose care and expertise brought this transformation to life. We look forward to welcoming guests and the Raleigh community to an experience that honors the building's legacy, reflects the character of this city and enriches lives for years to come." Reservations are available at indigoraleigh.com.
Why It Matters
The Hotel Indigo Raleigh opening signals continued interest in adaptive reuse of mid-century architecture for hospitality assets. The property's focus on local art curation, Southern regional dining, and community gathering spaces reflects the Hotel Indigo brand's positioning within IHG's lifestyle portfolio—differentiating it from standardized branded offerings and appealing to operators seeking location-specific identity in competitive urban markets.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
