The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda Partners with Harrison to Transform Historic Power Plant into Vibrant Gathering Space
- Author Keith Anderson
FSR Magazine recently published an article featuring the work Harrison led for The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda. Below is the transcript.
Dallas-based global design consultancy Harrison announced the completion of The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda, a 10,866-square-foot adaptive-reuse hospitality concept located within the historic Rotunda complex in Baltimore. Developed for Titan Hospitality, the project reimagines a former 1921 power plant as a vibrant, all-day dining and event destination rooted in community, craftsmanship, and celebration.
Once the mechanical heart of the Maryland Casualty Insurance campus, the Rotunda Power Plant quietly generated energy for a pioneering corporate estate in north Baltimore. Today, Harrison’s design gives the structure a new purpose, powering connection, gathering, and shared experience.
“The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda exemplifies our approach to emotional architecture,” said Keith Anderson, CEO of Harrison. “In every project, we design environments not only to function well, but to shape how people feel, gather, and create lasting memories. This project stands as a model for adaptive reuse, transforming industrial heritage into a place of warmth, ritual, and celebration.”
Harrison’s narrative behind the project is driven by, Where History Powers Hospitality, preserves the industrial integrity of the original structure while elevating it into a dramatic, romantic environment capable of hosting everything from weekday lunches to milestone celebrations and weddings. Exposed brick walls, original steel trusses, and the building’s soaring double-height volume anchor the design, while crystal chandeliers, layered drapery, and warm materials introduce intimacy and refinement.
Two hearths mark the center of the project, separated by a working service core that quietly powers both the Lodge and the Barn. While staff move efficiently between the Lodge dining and the Barn celebration, the fireplaces maintain a shared glow, binding the spaces together through warmth, craft, and brand identity. A private Chef’s Room strategically placed to create curated gatherings and a nearly 2,000-square-foot enclosed patio further extend the restaurant’s flexibility across seasons and occasions.
Transforming the former industrial structure into a multi-layered hospitality destination required a design approach capable of balancing scale and intimacy. The building was designed to feel intimate during quieter moments while effortlessly scaling to host large, celebratory gatherings. Harrison addressed this through the thoughtful layering of light, texture, acoustics, and spatial rhythm, achieving both operational precision and emotional warmth. Every design decision was intentional, from crafted steel and crystal chandeliers to restored masonry and acoustical softening integrated into drapery and upholstery to ensure comfort at every level of occupancy.
“This project was always about creating a place where people want to gather in addition to restoring a historic building,” said James King, CEO of Titan Hospitality. “The Rotunda has long been an anchor for this neighborhood, and The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda builds on that legacy by bringing a new energy to the campus. Harrison helped us transform an extraordinary piece of Baltimore history into a destination where people can celebrate milestones, share meals, and create memories for years to come.”
Situated within the Rotunda’s revitalized mixed-use campus with residences, national retailers, boutique fitness, and a cinema, The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda completes the evolution of the site into a true day-to-night neighborhood destination. Morning gym traffic gives way to lunch meetings, evening dining, and late-night celebrations, supported by ample parking and strong local density.
View full article at FSR Magazine.
