The Gables, a Tudor revival motor lodge that has sat tucked into Raleigh's Mordecai neighborhood since 1928, is gearing up for a summer comeback as a small boutique hotel after years of vacancy and renovation work. The project is being led by Durham hotelier Daniel Robinson and Raleigh singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, who is Grammy nominated. New photos from the project show refreshed guest rooms and public spaces that keep the lodge's vintage charm while upgrading systems and finishes.
As reported by Triangle Business Journal, the reopening is backed by the Grammy nominated artist and features images credited to photographer Matt Ramey. The Business Journal frames the work as a careful restoration rather than a teardown, highlighting how original architectural details have been retained alongside updated interiors.
Old motor lodge, new life
The Gables began life as a motor lodge in the 1920s, and the City of Raleigh's Mordecai Place historic district listing notes the property dates to 1928 and still carries Tudor revival elements. The site sat largely vacant after 2017 until hoteliers purchased it, and a 2019 News & Observer report detailed the sale to Robinson and Merritt along with early restoration plans. Merritt, who has been publicly linked to the project, is described as a Grammy nominated singer songwriter on her official site.
What to expect inside
Visit Raleigh lists The Gables as an 18 room boutique property with restoration work dated to 2026 and an opening slated for summer 2026. Axios reported that the owners plan a small bar, a “funky” library, and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces as part of the redesign, signaling a low key, locally run alternative to larger downtown hotels.
Why it matters for Mordecai
The Gables revival slots into a growing cluster of small boutique projects in the Triangle that emphasize character and neighborhood fit over sheer size. The News & Observer has chronicled this trend and has described The Gables effort as emblematic of attempts to repurpose historic lodging close to downtown.
Owners have not set a firm date for reservations, but the Visit Raleigh listing and project materials point to summer 2026 for the public opening. Observers will be watching permitting and booking updates as the team finalizes details, and confirmed dates and reservation links are expected to follow once they are available.
