Wm. Mulherin’s Sons is an American tale: an Irishman who immigrated to America at age 15 and made it big, William Mulherin housed his award-winning whiskey’s bottling operation in a corner factory building in Philadelphia’s Fishtown. Later his sons took over the successful enterprise, only to have it all shut down by prohibition.
Years later the landmark building, which still bares his name, is playing host to a new breed of American makers and entrepreneurs. True to its history, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, an Italian-inspired restaurant helmed by chef Chris Painter (and more recently a four-suite hotel) offers a characterful blend of the old and the new. Owner and designer Method Hospitality was careful to preserve much of the landmark building’s industrial character while at the same time embracing the Fishtown’s new creative vibe. Spacious yet homey, each of the hotel’s rooms features original touches, including custom woodwork and metalwork, bespoke furniture, and original wallpaper made and designed by local artisans.
Photography by Matthew Williams.
![the hotel\2\17;s whiskey palette includes wood and leather bar stools by 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-room-i-kitchen.jpg)
![relaxed furnishings, original art, and live plants, make each lofty 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-room-1-733x419.jpg)
![several rooms feature paintings by artist alex kanevsky. 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wm-mulherins-sons-hotel-room-4-dining-by-matthew-williams-733x933.jpg)
![exposed ducts, pipes, and electrical enhance the industrial vibe. 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-room-3-bar.jpg)
![in room three, tillandsia from field plant supply peek out of nooks a 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wm-mulherins-sons-philadelphia-bed.jpg)
![room four\2\17;s bathroom features an original clawfoot tub. 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-tub.jpg)
![vintage persian carpets from old new house warm the concrete floors. 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-room-1b-733x419.jpg)
![details from the building\2\17;s former life include a pulley system use 32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mulherin-hotel-philadelphia-room-3-skylight.jpg)
![helmed by chef chris painter, wm. mulherin\2\17;s sons italian inspired 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wm-mulherins-sons-bar-corner-733x933.jpg)
![like the hotel, the restaurant, which includes a fireside lounge, marries old w 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wm-mulherins-sons-dining-room-fireplace-733x530.jpg)
Heading to the City of Brotherly Love? Here are more design-forward accommodations:
- Roost Apartment Hotels: The Extended Stay Hotel Reinvented
- Steal This Look: A Boldly Blue Kitchen in Philadelphia by Jersey Ice Cream Co.
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