Historic Renovation

A historic renovation always has challenges, but when Baltimore’s Painter Mansion underwent an extraordinary update and total rehabilitation, the project became a real testament to success. TEI Electrical Solutions (TEI) was proud to be selected as the electrical contractor and worked closely with the General Contractor, Azola Companies on this multifaceted project.

Electrical Systems

The electrical and lighting systems had to be completely replaced and upgraded, which was a very complex undertaking in and of itself. The design team specified a sophisticated Control4 lighting control package that provided elegance and energy efficiency. The team also wanted to ensure that lighting fixtures were recessed into the existing wood frame construction so as not to undermine the original design concepts. TEI was able to accomplish all of these goals.

The owner of Azola Companies, Martin Azola explains, “TEI did an outstanding job installing the electrical systems at the world famous Ivy Hotel in Baltimore. Your Service Manager and Superintendents integrated complicated line and low voltage systems into the former Painter Mansion (ca 1889). Every day was an adventure in design-build adaptation, as unknown structural and historic impediments popped up. Compliance requirements of the DOI Standards for Certified Rehabilitation (federal tax credits) added even another layer of complexity. And then there was the task of accommodating an ever-changing interior design program, driven by constant upgrades as the hotel evolved. The Ivy is now the only Relais & Chateaux-affiliated hotel in Maryland or Washington, DC, and its amazing metamorphoses has been chronicled in media outlets including The New York Times, Forbes Life, Capital File, The Week and dozens more. The electrical component of this project was performed to the highest standards of the industry, and the staff of TEI is to be congratulated.”

Electrical Contracting Needs

The mansion is now home to The Ivy Hotel – a boutique hotel providing world-class hospitality in a setting that captures the magic of old Baltimore and new in lovely Mount Vernon. Whether you are considering a complex historical renovation or a simple electrical update, contact TEI for all of your electrical contracting and specialty contracting needs!