Mayflower Renaissance Announces Opening of New Promenade Ballroom

Mezzanine sitting area, Mayflower Renaissance

The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. announced that its new Promenade Ballroom will open next month. The restored venue will add over 3,000 square feet to the 87-year-old hotel, enough space to accommodate 220 guests for a seated lunch or dinner, 350 for a reception, or 140 for a meeting.

Having opened in 1925, the Mayflower is now adding the additional floor space to its structure without affecting the architectural elements or historical character of its original form. The conversion that restores the ballroom is the most recent in a series of renovations for the space that the Mayflower has undergone since its opening. In 1925, the space was known as Palm Court, and was used for a number of things, including as the receiving line for dignitaries attending the inaugural ball for President Calvin Coolidge. In 1983, it was converted into Cafe Promenade, and remained as such until its closure on August 12, 2012.

Features of the new ballroom include murals by Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) artist Edward Laning, a domed skylight, and a large crystal chandelier. Accompanying the ballroom will be a new hotel restaurant and bar, set to open in late fall 2012.