Seattle's Historic MarQueen Hotel Unveils Extensive Renovation

The 1918 landmark blends contemporary comforts with vintage glamour in a design inspired by early industry.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:22pm

Seattle's historic MarQueen Hotel has completed an extensive renovation that blends contemporary comforts with vintage glamour. Originally built in 1918 as the Seattle Engineering School, the brick building at the bottom of Queen Anne Avenue provided housing for students developing the Ford Model T. The refreshed design, by Cusack + Co. Interiors, features historic wood elements and design cues drawn from early industry.

Why it matters

The MarQueen Hotel renovation is a testament to preserving Seattle's architectural history while adapting it for modern use. As the city continues to evolve, projects like this help maintain a connection to the past and celebrate the character of historic neighborhoods.

The details

The MarQueen Hotel's renovation by Cusack + Co. Interiors blends contemporary amenities with vintage design elements. The project features restored historic wood details, industrial-inspired lighting, and other design cues that pay homage to the building's origins as housing for early automotive engineering students.

  • The MarQueen Hotel was originally built in 1918 as the Seattle Engineering School.
  • The recent renovation project has just been completed.

The players

MarQueen Hotel

A historic hotel in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, originally built in 1918 as the Seattle Engineering School to house students developing the Ford Model T.

Cusack + Co. Interiors

The interior design firm responsible for the MarQueen Hotel's recent renovation, blending contemporary comforts with vintage glamour.

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The takeaway

The MarQueen Hotel's renovation demonstrates how historic buildings can be thoughtfully updated to preserve their character and legacy, while also providing modern amenities for today's guests. This project celebrates Seattle's architectural heritage and the city's continued evolution.