Historic architecture meets modern elegance in Milan

The Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio, originally known as the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali, is a magnificent testimony to Milan’s architectural history. After extensive renovation, it now shines in new splendor. Originally built at the end of the 19th century according to the plans of the renowned architect Luca Beltrami (1854-1933) and formerly used as the headquarters of Generali Assicurazioni, it has now been renovated. Part of the building has been converted into a luxurious hotel. This transformation impressively combines historical substance with contemporary design and creates a unique symbiosis of history and modern hospitality.

The Palazzo Venezia, as the building is also known, was originally built by the Generali insurance company between 1897 and 1901. The palazzo is located in Piazza Cordusio in Milan, where it forms the main building, so to speak. With its eclectic, concave curved façade, it dominates the central square in the city center. It was important to those commissioning the renovation to preserve the building as part of Milan’s collective memory and historical heritage. The renovation and restoration of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio was led by Studio Marco Piva, which was responsible for the artistic direction and the careful transformation of the listed areas. The aim was to preserve the historical integrity of the building while integrating modern functions. The result is a harmonious combination of past and present.
The work on the exterior of the building covered the magnificent façade, the entrance area, the terraces and also included a new lighting concept for the outer skin of the building. The work was carried out in close consultation with the restorer and the supervisory authority. The decision was made to primarily use methods from the field of conservative restoration so as not to destroy the architectural, artistic and historical character of the building.
The interior design of the hotel now comprises 84 rooms – originally around 70 were planned – as well as numerous communal areas. Studio Marco Piva succeeded in preserving the structural elements of the building through targeted conservation measures and adapted the interior spaces to the hotel’s new requirements. This required numerous structural and technical interventions, including the replacement of all existing elevators and the creation of new elevator bodies. In addition, openings were made in load-bearing walls to ensure efficient distribution of corridors to the guest rooms on all floors.

Connecting the main building of Palazzo Venezia with the adjacent Palazzo Cassi-Ramelli in Via Mercanti posed a particular challenge. These two palazzi, which were not originally planned as belonging together, were architecturally harmonized in order to relocate parts of the hotel use to the neighbouring building. The result is a seamless integration of communal areas such as conference rooms and a fitness studio, which are flooded with light thanks to large windows and a glass wall.

One outstanding element of the renovation is the restored inner courtyard of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio, which was originally used as a horse stable and later as a parking lot. This has been upgraded with a striking steel and glass structure that towers above the second floor. This multifunctional space concept can be used for events, conferences or as a breakfast room. The glass roof structure, supported by steel pillars, is seismically independent of the building and consists of high-performance windows.
The top floors of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio house the restaurant and bar areas, which are located in the spacious roof spaces under the dome of the building. The architecture of these areas follows the natural slope of the existing pitched roof and offers a flowing transition to the adjacent outdoor areas. In addition, an exclusive spa and wellness zone was created in the basement, which is complemented by a pool and various wellness facilities.

The monumental staircase of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio, decorated with Rosa Asiago and Verdello marble, has been particularly carefully restored. The historic “Generali Assicurazioni” portal on the second floor has been preserved to pay tribute to the building’s former use. The dome, the architectural highlight of the building, was restored with a sensitive approach, exposing the original stucco work and supporting metal structures. Under the dome, the lighting was designed to respectfully emphasize the historic wooden structures and surfaces.

The technical lighting of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio was implemented by Platek, an experienced specialist in outdoor lighting. Over 400 light sources were installed to impressively highlight the facades and interiors of the hotel both during the day and at night. The lighting solutions include the Mini Corniche series, which provides non-invasive lighting and highlights the architectural details of the building. The lighting system is dimmable and programmable to create different lighting scenes for special occasions and celebrations. The precise illumination of the façades and courtyards creates impressive night scenes and effectively highlights various events and commemorations.
With this extensive renovation, the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio has not only preserved its historical significance, but now also offers modern amenities in an architecturally unique setting. The building represents a successful combination of tradition and innovation and sets new standards for historic building renovations in Milan.

Photos: Ottavio Tomasini