Camino Real set for renovations

The Meyers Group has selected Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design for the renovations of the historic Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso, Texas. The $50 million renovations are set to begin in March 2017.

Originally built in 1912 and currently named the Camino Real, the 356-guestroom property is listed under the National Register of Historic Places and located in the heart of the city’s downtown district. The El Paso-based architect firm In’situ Architecture, led by William C. Helm, is the collaborating team for the project.

“We are proud to have Kobi Karp and his team join our vision of restoring this historic hotel into its former glory,” comments Stuart Meyers, Chairman and CEO of the Meyers Group. “His vast experience around the world will heighten the luxury and design that we have envisioned.”

Renovation plans for the hotel include an update to all 356 guestrooms and suites, as well the second-floor grand ballroom and conference rooms. Upon arrival, hotel guests will enter a reception area highlighted by the luxurious stained-glass dome and accentuated with ornate plaster details. The restoration of the original 10th-floor rooftop will see the ballroom used as a prelude to the pool lounge area and surrounded by a luxurious full-service spa, state-of-the-art gym. The bar room next to the rooftop terrace will also be expanded to overlook the Franklin Mountains, the historic Rio Grande and the Mexican border.

The redesign will highlight local materials including copper, brass and deep burnished leathers to create the traditional atmosphere of the historic El Paso hotel. The use of local natural materials, such as worn rough wood finishes, will be used to offset the burnished metals set alongside charcoal grey and deep dark brown colours of the red Ochre colours surrounding the Franklin Mountains.

“The unique vision of restoring and renovating this storied hotel in El Paso is inspired by the rich, historic architecture and material details of the 100-year-old hotel,” explains Kobi Karp, Founder and Principal at Kobi Karp Architecture and Design. “Using the natural materials of white terra-cotta, red brick, natural vein stone marble, and deep three-dimensional plaster reliefs as the inspiration for the cutting-edge interior design of the building. Every detail in the hotel speaks of the rich history and stories of the past through the interior design of the largest building in historic downtown El Paso.”

www.caminoreal.com/elpaso