Iconic Art Deco Ibex House Transforms into Luxury Hotel
Ibex House, a Grade II-listed Art Deco office block on Minories near the Tower of London, is set for a significant transformation into a 382-key full-service hotel. Completed in 1937, this landmark exemplifies the Streamline Moderne style, famous for its curved facade and, at the time of construction, the longest bands of glass in the UK. Its distinctive architecture, often described as “gorgeous,” makes it an exception among typical office buildings. The conversion plans, spearheaded by developer Dominus in partnership with Cheyne Capital, have been approved by the City of London council, with an anticipated opening in 2028.
A primary benefit of this redevelopment is the preservation and adaptive reuse of a historic building, preventing its potential decay or less sympathetic alteration. Crucially, the project will grant public access to Ibex House for the first time, allowing more people to appreciate its unique design. Beyond the hotel’s luxurious facilities, the development includes the rebuilding and reopening of the Peacock pub, which has been closed since 2017, and the addition of a public corner cafe, envisioned to host an exhibition on Art Deco London. Furthermore, a ‘hospitality academy’ will be established to train future hoteliers, adding an educational and employment benefit.
Concerns about potentially “ruining” the building have been addressed by the developers, who commit to retaining 100% of the substructure and 90% of the superstructure, ensuring the integrity of its core and most of its exterior. While some windows will be replaced and a couple of new floors added, these modifications are designed to be sympathetic to the original architecture and largely invisible from street level. This approach aims to blend modern functionality with historical preservation. Ibex House joins other iconic London landmarks like the BT Tower, 55 Broadway, and Admiralty Arch, which are also being repurposed as hotels, highlighting a growing trend of converting significant historical structures for hospitality use.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/latest-news/art-deco-ibex-house-to-become-hotel)
