The Manchester Hotel
KLH Engineers led the comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering design for The Manchester Hotel—a distinguished boutique hotel in Lexington, Kentucky, honored as one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places in 2024. Located near the corner of Manchester Street and Oliver Lewis Way, this seven-story, 56,500-square-foot hotel stands on the historic site of the former Ashland Distillery, Lexington’s first registered bourbon distillery dating back to 1865. The hotel’s red brick exterior pays homage to the historic brick bourbon rick houses, blending seamlessly with the area’s rich heritage.
Marrying modern luxury with historical charm, the Manchester features 120 well-appointed guest rooms designed to offer a cozy retreat for visitors. Floors two through five each house 24 rooms, serviced by two passenger elevators, one freight elevator, and two egress stairwells. Practical features like trash and linen chutes running from the roof to the ground floor and a new single bay loading dock at the rear of the building ensure efficiency and convenience.
Beyond the guest rooms, the hotel features a variety of thoughtfully designed spaces where guests can gather, dine or simply unwind. On the ground floor, a vibrant 4,000-square-foot restaurant features a state-of-the-art 1,250-square-foot kitchen and a stylish 25-linear-foot bar. Adjacent to the restaurant, the spacious 2,000-square-foot lobby offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or socializing. Behind the scenes, 4,000 square feet are dedicated to back-of-house and utility spaces, ensuring smooth operations. Crowning the experience, the rooftop bar spans 3,500 square feet—2,000 enclosed and 1,500 open-air—offering breathtaking views.
The extensive MEP scope for The Manchester Hotel was carefully engineered to enhance the guest experience, safety and operational efficiency. For the guest rooms, advanced variable refrigerant systems were implemented, providing precise temperature control, energy efficiency and individualized comfort. Common areas were served by split system heat pumps, ensuring consistent and comfortable environments.
To ensure optimal air quality throughout the hotel, KLH integrated ventilation equipment including dedicated outside air units with energy recovery to all spaces. Efficient climate control was achieved through supplemental heaters and comprehensive air distribution systems, including ductwork, dampers and air terminals. The hotel also features extensive general exhaust systems and specialized kitchen ventilation systems, incorporating Type 1 and Type 2 hoods, exhaust fans, and make-up air units.
Lighting was approached with both functionality and ambiance in mind. KLH designed control systems, along with comprehensive lighting solutions for non-public areas, including interior lighting, control schemes, luminaire selection and photometric analysis. Power distribution work included branch circuiting and low voltage raceways for technology systems. The electrical scope also included the design of new fire alarm systems to meet audio/visual device locations and performance specifications, as well as integrated emergency and standby power systems.
KLH’s plumbing engineering designs ensure reliable and efficient water service with domestic hot and cold-water systems, sanitary systems, plumbing fixtures and plumbing systems related to the mechanical plant such as gas. Roof drainage systems, both interior and secondary, were also incorporated, along with grease waste systems. Fire protection was addressed through detailed sprinkler head layout and performance specifications.
Through this comprehensive MEP engineering approach, KLH contributed to creating a comfortable and safe environment that enhances the guest experience at every level of The Manchester Hotel.
