Inpro Corporation recently completed a noteworthy sign project for the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Baltimore, Maryland. This hotel achieved LEED® Gold Certification, making it the only hotel in Baltimore with this prestigious status. For the braille signs, Novacryl® Photopolymer was chosen due to its recycled content and other advantages, exemplifying sustainable signage solutions.
Sustainable Signage Solutions at An Eco-Friendly Fairfield Inn
Located on the site of the former Baltimore Brewing Company near the Inner Harbor, the Fairfield Inn and Suites is a pioneering example of sustainable design. From its heat-island-reducing roof to a courtyard lawn made from old tires and staff uniforms crafted from recycled plastic bottles, this hotel exemplifies sustainability in every aspect. With the completion of its certification, it aims to be recognized as Baltimore’s only LEED® Gold hotel.
Inpro’s photopolymer signage significantly contributes to the hotel’s green initiatives. “We began the design discussion around a plan to simply build a ‘green’ hotel,” said General Manager Patrick Leary. “But when we weighed the benefits of pursuing LEED certification, we decided to go for the Gold.” The hotel expects to finalize its certification with the U.S. Green Building Council soon.
Revitalizing the Urban Core
Situated in Baltimore’s urban core, the Fairfield Inn and Suites supports city leaders’ efforts to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors. Positioned on President Street, it borders dense multi-family residential neighborhoods and the bustling central business district, making it a strategic location for promoting sustainable practices in the area.
The development aligns with the December 2003 Baltimore Inner Harbor Master Plan by Cooper, Robertson & Partners, which aims to ensure that existing and future developments contribute to a dynamic, economically sustainable mixed-use district.
A Rich Historical Context
The Fairfield Inn and Suites is part of the Baltimore Heritage Walk, a 3.2-mile trail showcasing four centuries of American history. The Jonestown neighborhood, where the hotel is located, was established in 1732 and has since blended religious, industrial, and residential elements.
Historically significant, the site was home to the Baltimore Brewing Company, known for DeGroen’s beer. Today, its salvaged grain silo and brewing tank are used to collect and store rainwater for landscape irrigation, further emphasizing sustainable signage solutions and practices.
Seamless Integration with Sustainable Design
The architectural design of the Fairfield Inn acknowledges the traditional scale of the Jonestown neighborhood while also addressing the larger commercial context of President Street. The hotel occupies a significant portion of the city block, with a single-story structure connecting the guestroom wings and opening up the courtyard for sunlight and longer views. The green roof not only enhances aesthetics but also manages stormwater effectively.
Setting an Example for Sustainable Signage Solutions
As a moderately priced “green” franchise hotel, the Fairfield Inn plays a crucial role in educating builders, operators, and visitors about sustainable practices. The ownership and staff aim to make this hotel a model of sustainable development. Guests can learn about the environmentally conscious features integrated into the design and construction through daily tours led by the general manager.
The breakfast area benefits from solar-tracking skylights, and the courtyard features turf made from recycled tires. Plants are irrigated using rainwater collected in the repurposed brewing tank. Additionally, guests are provided with greenware biodegradable cups and recycled material beverage koozies, with recycling options available throughout the hotel. Behind the scenes, the staff adheres to a “Green Housekeeping” protocol, ensuring eco-friendly maintenance practices.
Moreover, the interior signage reflects a commitment to sustainability. The Fairfield Inn used Inpro Corporation’s line of PETG photopolymer signs throughout the facility. This innovative signage solution employs a simple water wash during manufacturing, which reduces pollution and aligns with the hotel’s eco-friendly initiatives.
Summit Associates, the owner, is dedicated to positioning this hotel as a leader in hospitality while providing guests with a rich learning experience focused on sustainable living and development.
Final Thoughts
The Fairfield Inn and Suites project showcases how sustainable signage solutions can play a significant role in achieving LEED certification and promoting eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry. With innovative materials like Novacryl® Photopolymer, Inpro Corporation has set a standard for sustainable signage in modern architectural design.
