After nearly two decades of vacancy, the historic Chattanooga Savings Bank and Trust Company building has reopened in downtown Chattanooga as The Waymark Hotel, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Originally constructed in 1927, the landmark at 736 Broad Street has long been one of the city’s most recognizable architectural features. Following an extensive adaptive reuse renovation by HKS Holdings and managed by Concord Hospitality, the 148 room boutique hotel blends historic preservation with contemporary hospitality.
We were proud to contribute to this transformation by fabricating and installing the custom illuminated grand entry signage on the Broad Street facade.
A Downtown Landmark Reimagined
For nearly 20 years, the building stood vacant. Its arched windows, detailed masonry, and marble accents remained intact but inactive.
The redevelopment carefully preserved these defining architectural elements while introducing a modern hospitality experience inside. Today, The Waymark features 148 uniquely designed guest rooms, curated artwork, and distinctive gathering spaces including Iris Rooftop Bar and The Vault, a speakeasy located within the building’s original bank vault.
Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful adaptive reuse can bring new energy to a central business district while protecting the character that makes it unique.
Precision Fabricated and Architecturally Integrated
The Waymark’s grand entry signage was produced as a fully custom illuminated letter set designed specifically for the historic granite and masonry facade.
Each letter was fabricated with aluminum faces and inset acrylic illumination, creating a dimensional presence that feels refined rather than overpowering. The finish was carefully selected to complement the building’s historic character while aligning with Hilton’s Tapestry Collection brand standards.
Because the letters were individually mounted to existing masonry, installation required close coordination around structural elements within the facade and precise pre drilled mounting patterns to ensure long term durability.
The result is signage that feels intentional and integrated into the architecture rather than simply applied to it.
A New Chapter for Broad Street
Exterior signage is often one of the final elements installed on a redevelopment project, yet it is the first impression guests experience.
With the completion of the grand entry signage, The Waymark once again holds a visible and confident presence along Broad Street. A building that once anchored Chattanooga’s financial district now signals a new chapter for downtown.
We are honored to have played a role in helping restore this historic address to active use and ensuring its renewed identity reflects the quality of its transformation.