Hotel Haya
A Cuban culture-inspired hotel located in Ybor City, a national landmark district northeast of downtown Tampa known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” This hospitality project incorporates two historic buildings: Las Novedades (Tampa’s oldest restaurant) and the Warren Building (frequented by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders). The new building component includes 178 hotel rooms, 3 food and beverage venues, and a central courtyard and pool. The site constraints with traditional Cuban vernacular lent to a central courtyard design typical of warmer climates. The strength of this project comes from the holistic approach of the design—the architect designed everything from the interaction of the building to its context to the intricate detailing of the fabrics within the furniture. The entire concept of the building was able to be realized through the control and careful detailing of the architect, blurring distinction between architecture and interior design.
