Savannah’s Sophisticated Revival

The afternoon light filters through Spanish moss as our designer walks the courtyard of what was once a Coca-Cola bottling plant. “The challenge,” she explains, running her hand along weathered brick, “is honoring three different lifetimes while creating something entirely new.” The Kimpton Brice Hotel sits in Savannah’s quieter Historic District, where buildings carry stories of cotton warehouses, livery stables, and industrial heritage—each era demanding its own respect in the transformation ahead.

When Forchielli Glynn began reimagining this boutique property, they spoke of contradictions: hard and soft, colorful and quiet, energetic and restful. The design philosophy mirrors Savannah itself, where antebellum grace meets contemporary energy on every corner. For the Pool Terrace and Secret Garden, this meant creating spaces that could transition seamlessly from morning solitude to evening social gatherings, from intimate conversations to lively celebrations.

Our Montecito Curved umbrellas in Cabana Grey Stripe became anchors for this vision. The black-and-white palette speaks to the city’s native brick and mortar while maintaining the clean sophistication that modern travelers expect. Against the infusion of greens and fuchsia that punctuate the property, the striped canopies provide what the designers call “breathing room”—spaces where the eye can rest between the more dramatic design moments.

The nearly year-long renovation required master craftsmen who understood both preservation and innovation. Guests now discover spaces that feel both historically grounded and refreshingly contemporary. In the Secret Garden, where custom patio umbrellas create intimate dining alcoves, visitors often comment on how naturally the space flows between old and new, between the energy of the city and the tranquility of Southern luxury.

Sometimes the most successful transformations happen when you honor what came before while fearlessly embracing what could be.