The Skeels Hotel was a decrepit residential hotel on Monterey in
Downtown Morgan Hill. The initial concept was to retain the building
and remodel it, but a preliminary analysis showed that the building
was not worth saving.
The ultimate design was to include 10 residential units and commercial
space. An accessible residential unit was also included downstairs
to eliminate the need for an elevator. The new two story building
became the center of Redevelopment in the Downtown, creating a
10,000 square foot anchor of commercial and residential units.
The project
was the first Single Room Occupancy project in the South Bay and
was constructed in 1992.
This mixed-use project included a steel structure allowing for
clear vision into the retail spaces. The large retail area was
designed
for a picture framing shop, but also for the potential use of
a restaurant. Twelve years after the project was completed, Ragoots
Restaurant
moved in to the commercial space with a minimum of reconstruction.
The high ceilings and openness allowed for the contemporary look
and feel that the successful restaurant is known for. At the
same
time, the exterior was updated with a new color pallet and awnings.
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