Clarke Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Clarke Hotel
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Clarke Hotel, 2010
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | 233 N. Hastings Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1914 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002094 |
| Added to NRHP | 1987 |
The Clarke Hotel is a historic building located in Hastings, Nebraska. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's a special building recognized for its important history and unique design.
The Story of the Clarke Hotel
How the Hotel Began
The Clarke Hotel was named after Alonzo L. Clarke. He was a very important businessman in Hastings. The idea for the hotel started in 1914. The Hastings Chamber of Commerce, a local business group, helped make it happen. People living in the area bought shares to help pay for the building.
The hotel was built by local talent. The architect, C. W. Way, was from Hastings. The construction company, John Hempel Company, was also local. Even the materials were made nearby. Local craftspeople made the bricks and the beautiful oak woodwork. They also created the detailed mosaic floors.
A Grand Hotel
In 1916, the hotel became even bigger. An addition was built, making it a six-story building. It was designed in the Renaissance Revival style. This style looks back to classic European buildings. The hotel then had 170 rooms. These rooms were said to be "absolutely fireproof," meaning they were very safe from fires.
The addition also included a large ballroom. This room could seat 300 people. For the next 70 years, the Clarke Hotel was a very popular place. It was the main spot for social events in the region. Many important people visited the hotel. These included former President William Howard Taft and future President John F. Kennedy.
A New Chapter
In 1987, the Clarke Hotel went through a big change. It had a lot of renovations, which means it was updated and improved. After these changes, the building became the Kensington-Evergreen Senior Living Communities. It now serves as a home for older adults.
