This is a hotel you stay at when you want the building to be a character in your story. The Jesse Reno adds to a long history of accommodations and hospitality in Reno. Originally a 26-room hostel-type lodge serving turn-of-the-century divorcees and transients, the 3-story brick building held a lot of narrative. Over the years it transformed into a nostalgic dive bar honoring Abraham Lincoln. So many layers were peeled until a satisfying patina was revealed, connecting modern travelers with historic quirks.

Anand led this project with his local team and relied on local engineers and contractors to implement the design from afar. Repeat visits to Reno allowed for Anand’s nimble hands-on practice. A full site reorientation at the beginning of the project created a central hub out of the sideyard and paved the way for a series of delightful moments and consistent nods. Custom and curated furniture and lighting was intimately selected for the 6-room hotel, the reception, cocktail bar, courtyard lounge and freestanding restaurant.

The Team

The Jesse Hotel & Bar and Estella Tacos y Mezcal (Piper Stremmel), Performed while Design Director of Studio BBA (Bonnie Bridges, Ellen Yanisse, Lyda Cort, Stephanie Griffith), Built by Groupwest Construction, Engineered by McElhaney Structural Engineers, Photographed by Nick Sorrentino.