The Virginia Grand has long been a staple of Historic Downtown, holding a significant history since it was built in 1926.
The building began as the Virginia Hotel and has since occupied many businesses (including Harris Publishing, parent company of Idaho Falls Magazine), and today the 95-year-old Virginia Grand has been transformed into a space for lavish, residential living. The remodeled hotel is conveniently located in the hotspot of restaurants, shopping and entertainment in the heart of Downtown.
Inspired by city-living, this residential space features spacious suites and modern amenities. “I’ve been renovating residential houses for years and years,” said Chuck Faber, owner of the building. “I’ve always wanted to take something ugly and make it pretty again.”
The three year complete remodel of the space is stunning. The Virginia Grand accommodates 18 suites on the second and third floors, while two luxurious penthouses sit on the top floor with wide open views of Downtown. “I spent a lot of time in Chicago and it has really nice old style hotels that had been renovated similar to this,” Chuck said. “It’s renovated in an old style with new flare.”
The main floor will open to tenants and the community in January as a family-friendly restaurant. Visitors downtown can have the experience of a Dave-and-Buster’s with a plethora of pinball machines, classic foods and entertainment. “It’s going to become sort of an arcade restaurant,” Chuck said.
The 18 suites each feature modern amenities, considerable windows and one of the most popular architectural features, exposed brick. The exposed bricks pay homage to the historical significance of the former hotel while giving the suites a modern and cozy feel. The suites will be available for short or long term rentals and range from studios to three-bedroom apartments.
The two 3,000 square-foot penthouses on the top floor can be rented out Airbnb-style for special occasions like a bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday parties and more. The penthouse suites are spacious with high-ceilings, big windows and exposed brick, bringing a big city-like feel right here in Idaho Falls.
The penthouse suites will also have themed rooms inspired by space and ’80s rock. The interactive rooms will have pinball machines for guests to enjoy the nostalgia of the ’80s. “The style is geared towards having fun and gaming, that type of thing,” Chuck said.
The upscale suites and penthouse suites will be available for rentals on Dec. 15. Visit www.virginiagrand.com for more information.