Columbia Gorge Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Columbia Gorge Hotel
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 Location in Hood River OR
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| Location | 9000 Westcliffe Dr., Hood River, Oregon |
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| Built | 1920–21 |
| Built by | Dinwiddie Construction Co. |
| Architect | Morris H. Whitehouse |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003736 |
| Added to NRHP | September 21, 1979 |
The Columbia Gorge Hotel is a famous historic hotel located in Hood River, Oregon, United States. It was built by a man named Simon Benson. He also helped create the Historic Columbia River Highway, a beautiful road through the Columbia River Gorge.
Benson wanted to build a special hotel at the end of this highway. He finished the hotel in 1921. It was designed in a style called Mission Revival architecture. The new hotel was built where an older hotel, the Wah Gwin Gwin Hotel, once stood.
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The Columbia Gorge Hotel: A Historic Gem
The Columbia Gorge Hotel is more than just a place to stay. It's a landmark with a long history. It has seen many changes over the years. Today, it is recognized as one of the Historic Hotels of America. This means it's a special old hotel that is important to the history of the United States.
Building a Dream: The Hotel's Beginning
The idea for the Columbia Gorge Hotel came from Simon Benson. He was a very important person in the area. Benson wanted to create a grand hotel. It would be a perfect stop for travelers enjoying the new Columbia River Highway.
The hotel was built between 1920 and 1921. It had 48 rooms when it first opened. The design was inspired by the Mission Revival style. This style often features smooth stucco walls and red tile roofs.
Changes Over the Years
After it first opened, the hotel changed owners several times. This happened between 1925 and 1952. Each new owner helped shape the hotel's story.
From Hotel to Retirement Home
In 1952, the hotel closed its doors as a public hotel. It was sold to a group called the Neighbors of Woodcraft. This group has been around since 1905. They turned the hotel into a retirement home for their members.
Reopening and New Life
The building was sold again in 1978. The new owners wanted to bring it back to life as a hotel. They spent about $1 million to fix it up. After the big renovation, the hotel reopened in September 1979. It now had 42 rooms.
In January 2009, the hotel had to close again for a short time. This was due to money problems. But a bank helped reopen it. Later that year, in October 2009, a company called A-1 Hospitality Group bought the hotel. They paid about $4 million for it.
Between 2009 and 2012, the hotel went through another major renovation. This helped make it even better for guests.
Famous Visitors and Special Recognition
Many famous people have stayed at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. These guests include the actor Burt Reynolds and the child star Shirley Temple.
The hotel is also part of the Historic Hotels of America. This is a program by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It celebrates hotels that have kept their history and charm.
