To Be Done Studio

Billy Motel

Tucked into the beautiful rural mountainscapes of West Virginia, The Billy Motel and Bar offers a retro-modern respite for travelers and locals alike

This project was kindly supported by the Woodlands Development Group and the Monongahela National Forest Small Business Initiative.

Having reached its capacity limits due to successful growth and greater numbers of visitors wanting to escape cities and into the outdoors, The Billy Motel looks to expand its services and amenities to guests.

Exterior corridor

Rear of property

Area of future expansion

The motel aims to be a home away from home for guests, as well as a space for travelers and locals to meet, wind down or reboot on top of the mountain.

TBD developed a plan to steward the motel’s growth, as well as reimagined interiors and layout for its expansion.

Existing structures

Existing uses and flow

Proposed expansion

A master plan lays out a growth plan, expanding dining, adding additional rooms, spaces for large events and exterior spaces connecting visitors to the outdoors.

Phased axonometric masterplan of the future Billy Motel.

The phased approach to the expansion accounts for the motel's business model in order to capitalize on its key financial assets.

Visioning also included redesigns of the restaurant space to occupy its lobby.

Interior evening render of the Billy Motel restaurant "Ish"

Beyond being an amazing destination to escape to, The Billy Motel offers a critical service to its local community: a place to gather, forge community ties and blow-off some steam during these difficult times.

Developments of local businesses transform local economies and communities, and we believe design can be a catalyst for positive change in rural communities.

TBD aims for the design work to not only benefit patrons of The Billy Motel but also shape the identity, spirit, and livelihood of the surrounding local community.