From 1920s skyscraper to state bank, the historic building at 150 Third Street has seen it all. Now, it is The Watermark Baton Rouge Hotel, the latest addition to the Autograph Collection of hotels by Marriott.
Though the downtown Baton Rouge hotel opened its doors Oct. 14, general manager and University alumnus Adam Gautreaux said The Watermark’s future looks promising.
“The hotel has been pretty much sold out the entire first two weeks,” he said. “We expect it remain that way into the holiday season.”
The Watermark Baton Rouge boasts 144 rooms, along with a full-sized restaurant and bar. The average price per night ranges from $199-$249, depending on vacancy and events happening in the city.
The hotel plans on opening a kosher-style delicatessen called Milford’s on Third. Despite a primarily kosher menu, other options will also be available.
Citing its luxurious products, Gautreaux said The Watermark should help boost the city’s economy.
“This property will be set apart from others because of the product level that we have from the food and the service,” Gautreaux said.
Executive Chef Chad Galiano said one of the things distinguishing the second Marriott property in downtown Baton Rouge from other lodging options is its committed staff of employees.
“The amount of attention and drive [within] the workers to put something on the market that is nonexistent right now is amazing,” Galiano said. “Our team is really focused on making this hotel the best in the city.”
Gautreaux said the unique history behind the hotel makes it stand out. He said they incorporated the nearly century-old building’s “storied past” into the artwork throughout the lobby and rooms.
“Baton Rouge has never really seen anything like this,” he said.
The Third Street property served as the Louisiana National Bank for 40 years before it turned into a state building. In 1927, it became the site of Baton Rouge’s first skyscraper, according to the hotel’s website.
Guests can still see the Louisiana National Bank engraving above the new Watermark sign.
Ann Connelly Fine Art employee and University alumna Chelsea Norris said the hotel was designed to not only honor its colorful past, but also to add a modern touch.
“The artwork not only makes it contemporary, but it tells the story behind the building and its evolution over time,” Norris said.
From the marble floors to the furniture design, Norris said the decor was custom-made for the new hotel. However, she said the design team still tried to convey a playful feng shui throughout the interior.
Some murals of the old bank’s founders have been brushed with more modern finishes. For example, the Lee Griffin mural features the iconic banker taking a selfie on an iPhone.
Norris said she would describe the decor of the hotel as “modern, eclectic and authentic.”
She said she is excited her firm gets to put the icing on the cake when it comes to designing the hotel.
“We get to come in at the very end and really help make it something special,” she said.

Gallery • 19 Photos

Mykeil Chambers

The Watermark Baton Rouge features original architecture from previous Louisiana National Bank on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at 150 N. Third St.