Owner: Mount Vernon Mansion, LLC
Architect: Zieger Snead
Developer: Azola & Associates
Civil Engineer: Gower Thompson, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Morabito Consultants, Inc.
The Ivy Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, is a great example of historic preservation meeting modern innovation. The 19th-century Government House mansion was restored and transformed into an upscale hotel and restaurant that has earned accolades such as inclusion in Relais & Châteaux, a Michelin star, recognition as one of Travel & Leisure’s “Best Hotels on the Planet,” and a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List.
D.W. Kozera, Inc. (DWK) played an integral role in the project’s success by as the Geotechnical Engineer of Record. Subsurface investigations revealed loose Man-placed Fill soils requiring a foundation solution that could provide structural stability while minimizing impact on the surrounding historic buildings. DWK, familiar with adaptive re-use of historical budlings, recommended auger pressure grouted piles (APGs), a deep foundation system that limits vibrations during installation while providing the necessary foundation support for the building.
Additionally, DWK provided testing and observation during the preparation of subgrades, earthwork, and pile installation. The use of the same geotechnical team for both the design and construction phases allowed for seamless coordination and continuity, providing the project team with a cohesive geotechnical support for the Ivy.
By successfully addressing the challenges of constructing within a sensitive historic environment, DWK contributed to the creation of a space that honors Baltimore’s architectural heritage while offering a world-class guest experience.