Henking Hotel and Cafe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Henking Hotel and Cafe
|
|
The cafe portion of the building, c. 1979-82
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 16-21 Lyman St., Springfield, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | Becker, William |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Downtown Springfield MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000752 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
The Henking Hotel and Cafe was an old building in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was located at 15-21 Lyman Street. This building was special because it was built in two parts, first in 1899 and then in 1909. It was a great place for people traveling by train to stay at the start of the 1900s. The hotel was also important because it was started by some of the first German immigrants in the area. In 1983, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical sites. However, the building was taken down sometime after that.
Contents
What the Henking Hotel Looked Like
The Henking Hotel and Cafe were actually two buildings right next to each other. They were on the east side of Lyman Street, near Kaynor Street.
The Hotel Building
The hotel part was four stories tall. It was made of brick and had a style called Georgian Revival. This means it looked like buildings from the Georgian period in history.
The Cafe Building
Next to the hotel was the cafe building. This part was two stories tall and also made of brick. On the ground floor, it had big glass-block windows around the main entrance. The second floor had pairs of windows. This upper level was home to a large ballroom. The roof's edge, called the cornice, was designed to match the hotel's style.
A Family Business: The History of the Henking Hotel
The story of the Henking Hotel is about a family business that grew over time.
The Gruendler Family Starts It All
The hotel building was first built in 1880. It was for Gustave and Elizabeth Gruendler. They were immigrants from Germany. The Gruendlers had already run other hotels in the city. They were among the first German families to arrive in Springfield.
Henry Henking Takes Over
After the Gruendlers passed away, Henry Henking took over the business. He had worked for the Gruendlers before. Henry changed the hotel's name and updated its front in the Georgian Revival style.
Gus Henking Expands the Business
When Henry died in 1906, his son Gus took charge. Gus made the business even bigger. He built the cafe and ballroom section next door. This new space was perfect for parties and special events.
A Great Location for Travelers
The hotel was in a very good spot. It was right across from the train station entrance. Even though there were bigger hotels nearby, this small family-run hotel did very well. Many train travelers chose to stay there.
