The emblematic ON Residence, a partnership between TOR Hotel Group and Grivalia Hospitality, is set to open in Q1 2022.
A true seafront jewel in the heart of the city with unobstructed views of Thermaikos bay, ON Residence marks a new chapter for the TOR Hotel Group, one of Greece’s most established hospitality firms, operating since 1925.
Built in 1926, the property is based on designs by renowned Greek-Jewish architect Jacques Mosse. It is a typical example of Thessaloniki’s eclecticism during the interwar period, with elements reminiscent of the Belle Époque and neoclassicism. The important and delicate past of the building essentially provided the guidelines for its restoration process, completed by the architects Diversity Group and Dimitris Thomopoulos who collaborated on the project.
The preservation of the facade and the decorative elements of the building were completed according to the instructions of the Ministry of Culture. The architects took care to not only bring to the surface all the features that made the building unique, but also to carefully combine them with elements of today, always guided by the aim to achieve a harmonious coexistence.
Architects Nikiforidis and Cuomo undertook the design of the surrounding communal areas, while the office of Nikos Fletoridis was responsible for the architectural study.
Meanwhile, the interior design was done by French decorator Fabienne Spahn, who wanted to give a renewed classic Art Deco style to the project, enriching it with a discreet luxury that matched the character of the building.
“On my first visit to the place, I felt that I was at the house of ‘Sleeping Beauty’,” reveals Spahn. “Bringing the place back to life using modern design elements but fully respecting the building’s architectural heritage was a big challenge. It reminds me of wonderful brasseries in Paris with their neoclassical charm.”
The front desk has been inspired by the ’50s, with elements of velvet, wood and brass. In the main restaurant, a space that is more closely connected to the history of the building, the textures, the bronze lamps from blown glass, and the furniture, all move in Art Deco rhythms.
The palette is in grey and blue, the trademark colours of the historic restaurant, while the beloved bistro chairs that once existed here have been redesigned for greater comfort.
In the guestrooms, classic design meets calm luxury with soft, natural colour tones and touches of light pink and green. High quality materials and bold designs on the carpets complete a timeless chic backdrop.
The iconic restaurant “Olympos Naoussa” was the heart of Thessaloniki’s jet-setting society for decades, acting as a favourite hangout for celebrities and politicians such as former prime ministers George Papandreou and Constantine Karamanlis, Giscard d’Estaing and many more until its closure in the mid-90s.
“Now, Olympos Naoussa returns to the city of Thessaloniki,” says George Chryssikos, CEO of Grivalia. “Our vision to revive the historic restaurant, and together with the Tornivoukas family, to create a hotel destination of unparalleled beauty and a high level of service is close to completion. We are certain that all visitors will love and embrace it, as we did from the first moment. Grivalia Hospitality is currently implementing an investment program of over €500 million which will contribute to the strengthening of our country’s competitiveness in the international arena of luxury tourism.”
