Executive Suite R

I now know why I paused and took a deep breath before embarking on the fourth of four remodeled Suites to finish Grape Street Gardens Extended Stay Accommodations. I am comfortable referring to Suite R as my biggest challenge as well as my greatest accomplishment. Please allow me to explain..

Suite P, Suite N and Suite T are incredible examples of Eugene Bennett's creative brilliance. As a local, yet internationally recognized combined, medium artist, Bennett carefully designed and built these units as working art studios in the mid 50's. His considerate attention to function and comfort, combined with abundant light, high ceilings and bi-level floor space provided room to 'work' while 'living' (not to mention a terrific lead to follow).a unique condition. Also, at that time the "complex" included Bennett's personal residence (the current site of Suite R) as well as an art gallery. (Now known as the Proprietors Cottage)

However, during the late 80's the Bennett Bungalow was replaced with a modern, 'tract-style', cut up, essentially...a-no-charm-unit, by investors whose primary intention was increasing revenue compared to developing consistency. (Hence, the dilemma.) I had nothing to follow, no lead. I was dealing with four squared, times ugly. Yikes!

As I restored and refurbished Bennett's studios, I learned new skills, extended, projected, and developed my own sight and vision. I became bolder and more confident. I could almost sense what he was striving toward and understood his concept. I had the rare and fortunate opportunity to find an original and 'open' it to even 'more'. Not that anything Eugene ever created "needs" anything. I simply let in more light.

I knew I was going to be forced to dig into my own creativity to pull Suite R to equal standards. Fortunately, I have terrific friends. Chris, a guest at the time, and also one of the more creative women in my universe, amply pointed out something that happened "accidentally-on-purpose". (My favorite made up phrase, aka serendipity.) as she walked the site for the first time, (Mind you, this did not happen on purpose, I'm not that brilliant. I simply scented inspiration and followed my instincts).

In short, Chris verbalized my insight with .

"Suite P is like morning. Suite N is like noon.. Suite T is like evening."

So, as I developed the last and final unit ..I followed my instincts and.

Suite R is like midnight.

That being said..

Please enjoy all I have to give.

The floors have been hand scraped (literally, it's the only way to remove the linoleum and carpet glue) primed, painted a purple so dark you'd think it was black, until hit by sunshine and splashed with rich, red to match the accent walls. The wall 'plaster' art is unique in each room, and yes, this unit actually has rooms. However, I have continued to employ the Bennett lack-of-bedroom-door standard. There is an extra bed via fold down couch, fully equipped kitchen and unlike the other units the shower is huge...(I know, I carefully placed all those little square buggers), to match the kitchen counters and dining table ..fun, enjoyable and spacious.

The original front window is now a head to floor front door, with wing windows (something I saw in a magazine and had to manufacture) to match. You'll also find a white, stone quartz patio to catch warm afternoon sun shine and although, I'll admit this is not an original Bennett Studio; this remodel far exceeds my previous efforts. I had to match...if not surpass what I'd already accomplished and I've been told that I've "made the mark".

So, I believe.

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