Design Profile: The Quoin

Wilmington’s historic Security Trust and Safe Deposit Building, built in 1885, has been reborn many times. Listed on the historic register and originally designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, with an addition by Furness and Evans, the building’s exterior has been restored, while its interior has undergone a complete renovation into the city’s first boutique hotel, The Quoin. 

The hotel features 24 guest rooms, a restaurant, rooftop lounge and deck, and a basement cocktail lounge. The project adds to the rebirth of Wilmington’s Market Street, joining many new restaurants and apartments and helping establish the neighborhood as a regional dining and nightlife destination.  

The Quoin’s design was inspired by Frank Furness’ interiors as well as other contemporaries such as William Morris, while incorporating custom mid-century furnishings and contemporary lighting fixtures. The entry lobby retains the original travertine flooring and features custom windows by Greg Stefan, inspired by original Furness art glass. The first floor also houses a 100-seat restaurant and bar, with an open kitchen featuring a wood-burning oven and grill. A new patio was added along the south side, allowing for seasonal outdoor dining and a view of the Delaware Historic Society gardens.  

The guest rooms incorporate the original arched windows, along with vaulted ceilings inspired by the old banking hall. For a daytime view of the city or a drink during sunset, guests can head to the new roof deck. The deck and adjacent interior lounge is intentionally tucked behind the existing mansard roof so as not to be visible from the street.  

The basement level features a cocktail lounge, Simmer Down. Mysterious and moody, it boasts the original vaulted brick ceiling, a new curved bar, a working fireplace, and murals by Reverend Michael Allen.  

Project: The Quoin 

Location: Wilmington, Del.  

Client: Method Co. 

Project Size: 24,000 square feet 

Project Team:  
Method Studios (Collaborating Firm)  

P2 Structural Engineering (Structural Engineer)  

DEDC (Mechanical/ Plumbing Engineer) 

Beam Ltd. General (Lighting Designer) 

BPGS Construction (General Contractor) 

Powers and Company Inc. (Historic Consultant) 

Photos: Matthew Williams