After a failed attempt at redevelopment in 2008, the historic Roberts Hotel sat vacant until it was purchased in 2011 by MVG Development. ATA-B conducted an adaptive reuse analysis and developed a design to convert the property into 83 affordable apartments for seniors. The historic renovation included façade upgrades, new contemporary accessible senior living units, computer, music and craft lounges, and laundry and exercise facilities. The hotel’s original ballroom was renovated to function as a new senior community center.
A little Muncie history – Muncie’s historic Roberts Hotel was known as the “Crown Jewel of Muncie”. Since its opening in 1921, the seven-story hotel has hosted five presidents and numerous celebrities. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
For most of its history, the Roberts was the regions most elegant hotel. Designed by Charles W. Nicol, it’s colonial revival style sports a classic red brick exterior with indigenous Indiana limestone ornamentation, and an interior with ornate plasterwork, marble finishes and an impressive two-story sky-lit lobby.