San Diego, California, USA
Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc. served as the Architect of Record for the transformative, historic renovation of the Lafayette Hotel and Club in San Diego, California. Retained by C.H. Projects, our firm spearheaded the meticulous restoration of the 1946 iconic landmark, breathing new life into its storied past and redefining its future as a distinguished hospitality destination. It has been critically acclaimed by the New York Times as one of the top things to do in “36 Hours in San Diego”, Condé Nast Traveler as one of “The 22 Best Hotels in San Diego”, and Esquire Magazine as their “2024 New Hotel of the Year.”
The Lafayette Hotel and Club Historic Renovation by Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc., received an 2025 American Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Collaborating closely with an exceptional team comprising engineers, historical consultants, interior designers, fabrication artisans, and multiple contractors, Tucker Sadler Architects orchestrated the architectural and construction process of the renovation for the entire active areas of the 56,926 SF hotel to make way for a totally revamped guest experience including multiple indoor/outdoor dining and bar venues, grand lobby and lounge areas, an old-school bowling alley and game room, administration spaces, multiple commercial kitchens and supporting back-of-house areas.
Along with the interior designers Post Company, Tucker Sadler worked to reinvigorate the historic hotel to create a revitalized guest experience with the seamless integration of modern amenities while preserving the hotel’s historical charm. The transformed Lafayette Hotel now boasts a series of indoor and outdoor dining and bar venues, each meticulously designed to provide a unique and immersive experience for guests.
Tucker Sadler Architects focused its expertise on the expanding the activated areas of the hotel: the Lobby Bar, Beginner’s Diner, Quixote restaurant, and “The Gutter” game room and bar. The circular, 7,755 SF Lobby Bar sits under a glass atrium that floods the space with natural light and serves as a focal point, setting the tone for the hotel’s overall ambiance. Located inside the Lobby atrium, Beginner’s Diner is a recreation of a classic Americana train car style diner of the 1940s.
Quixote is a 2,965 SF Oaxacan-inspired restaurant and Mezcalería, exudes culinary excellence within a carefully crafted environment. The space was created from a decommissioned Catholic church in Mexico and reconstructed to showcase the dark wood paneling, rough cobblestones, rich stained-glass windows, and baroque pews and banquettes that surround the pulpit-inspired bar, reinforcing the rich culture of California and its connection with our neighbors to the South.
The Gutter, a 5,371 square feet bar and game room, stands out as a unique space that seamlessly combines the nostalgia of a bygone era with contemporary entertainment. Inspired by Henry Frick’s personal bowling alley at the base of the Frick Museum, it features a captivating old-school two-lane bowling alley and invites guests into a whimsical escape.
The revitalization of the Lafayette Hotel and Club and collaboration with a diverse team of professionals has resulted in the creation of a hospitality masterpiece, blending the charm of the past with the luxury and sophistication demanded by modern travelers. Located on El Cajon Boulevard, a once forgotten neighborhood nestled in the heart of San Diego, this project has been the catalyst for redevelopment and has truly revigorated the community through stewardship, pride of ownership, and a deep connection with social groups, physical places, and collective experiences.
Architects: Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc.
Lead Architect: Greg Mueller
Associate Architects: C.H. Projects and Post Company
Design Team: Ruben Caldwell, Jou-Yie Chou, and Leigh Salem
Original Architect: Frank L. Hope Jr. (1946)
General Contractor: CLTVT
Client: C.H. Projects
Photographers: Haley Hill, Arlene Ibarra, and Kimberley Motos
