Newport's waterfront Forty 1 North property is gaining a 24-room boutique hotel early next year that—unlike most of its local counterparts—will be completely green, with certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design council. Designed by Philadelphia-based DAS Architects, the $35 million property's aesthetic is Miami-meets-Newport, with modern and minimalistic decor throughout (materials will include teak millwork, ceramic mosaic and glass tile, inlaid woods, custom art glass screens, and marble panels). In addition to offering an 85-seat restaurant and a 50-seat lounge, the hotel will also have 3,500 square feet of event space.
Located off of downtown Newport's busy Thames Street, the Forty 1 North campus is multifaceted, offering restaurants, event space, and a full-service marina. The Grill, the campus' current focal point, which opened in July 2007, is a 200-seat outdoor restaurant and 36-seat bar located atop a fixed pier overlooking the marina. Specializing in prime cuts of beef and seafood (and avoiding the ubiquitous clam chowder by instead offering lobster and she crab bisque), the sleek space is an alternative to the classic New England dining options available in town.
Overseen by Nicolas Daeppen, the former managing partner of the now-defunct New York caterer Tentation Potel & Chabot, who also had a stint at caterer Great Performances before becoming Forty 1 North's general manager, the campus is the vision of Philadelphia philanthropist Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton, who is one of three partners involved. "Growing up in Newport, this town has always been close to my heart," said Hamilton. "This project has afforded me the pleasure of giving back to the community, and it is my sincere hope that Forty 1 North will encourage others to experience all that Newport has to offer."
The property's high-tech marina is a draw for the boating community, as it offers newly constructed floating docks, 480-volt electric service, onboard cleaning, launch offs, wash downs, and pump outs. Some 40 slips can accommodate yachts ranging in size from 45 to 250 feet—with fees coming in at $7.50 per foot per day in season. Also available is dock-side dining catered by the Grill.
A more casual dining option comes in the form of Christie's, a 100-seat venue serving up an Asian-Latin inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space also has a raised deck that seats 80. Upstairs at Forty 1 North, the 2,000-square-foot event space located above Christie's, is comprised of two rooms that can each accommodate 75 and offer private decks. Additionally, the property has 7,000 square feet of outdoor waterfront event space, made up of a garden courtyard, a pavilion, and the dockside deck in and around the Grille, which combined can host receptions for 500.
The campus' last component comes in the form of four suites that can each sleep three to five guests. Rentable for nights or weeks at a time, each room features a king size Temperpedic bed, a flat screen TV, a full kitchen, and one parking space.
