TempleLIVE
In the heart of Cleveland, a historic Masonic Temple stands as a testament to craftsmanship, tradition, and community gathering. TempleLIVE presented an opportunity to build upon this legacy by introducing a hospitality component that would redefine the experience. Our architecture team engaged to envision a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that would celebrate the rich architectural heritage of the temple while infusing it with a bold, contemporary edge.
The conceptual approach was rooted in contrast—juxtaposing the ornate detailing and classical symmetry of the Masonic Temple with a sleek, modern blend. The hotel’s exterior would reflect this balance, incorporating smooth concrete and perforated facades alongside reclaimed brick and stone textures. A striking pedestrian sky bridge would connect the venue and hotel, serving as a functional link and a symbolic gateway between eras.
The lobby lounge was envisioned as a modern-day salon. Neon accents and bold graphic elements would play against warm, tactile materials—cedar wood, mosaic floors, and quilted panels—all paying tribute to the temple’s rich visual language. The guestrooms would challenge convention, incorporating subtle nods to Freemason iconography while embracing a playful, music-infused aesthetic.
Drawing inspiration from the Free Masons' architectural mastery and Cleveland’s rock and roll identity, the design embraced both elements harmoniously. The proposed hotel would rise adjacent to the TempleLIVE venue, transforming an underutilized lot into a dynamic extension of the entertainment experience. The vision was to create an immersive space where concertgoers and travelers could seamlessly transition from high-energy performances to a stay that felt like a continuation of the experience.
The hotel concept extended beyond accommodations. The ground floor would serve as an active urban hub, with an open-plan lobby and restaurants inviting passersby to be part of the experience. An elevated dining space overlooking the cityscape would provide a social anchor. While the TempleLIVE hotel concept never progressed beyond the schematic design phase due to funding constraints, the vision remains a compelling study in adaptive reuse and placemaking. The project demonstrated the potential of reinvigorating historic structures through innovative design thinking, forging connections between the past and the future, and elevating the city's cultural fabric.