Lange Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Lange Hotel
|
|
Front of the hotel
|
|
 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1 W. Dayton St., West Alexandria, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1887 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 90002213 |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1991 |
The Lange Hotel is an old building in West Alexandria, Ohio, United States. It used to be a hotel. This building is important because it's one of the oldest hotels built on this spot. It has been named a historic site, which means it's a special place from the past.
Contents
History of the Lange Hotel
The area around West Alexandria in Preble County was first settled between 1800 and 1810. The village of West Alexandria was officially planned in 1818. It became an official town eighteen years later.
Early Beginnings
Just two years after the village was planned, a man named Valentine Mikesell got a special license. This license allowed him to open a hotel on the same land where the Lange Hotel stands today. The spot was perfect for a hotel. It was right at the main crossroads of the village. It was also along the old road that led to Dayton in the east.
Growing Village Life
As time went on, West Alexandria grew and became successful. Sawmills and gristmills (mills for grinding grain) were built in the town. Soon, West Alexandria became a busy center for trade. Farmers from the nearby countryside would come here to do business. By the 1880s, a larger hotel called the Eagle Hotel stood on this site. However, it was taken down to make way for the current Lange Hotel in 1887.
Building the Hotel
West Alexandria was a good place for travel because it was on a hilltop near Twin Creek. It was also located along a major road. By the 1880s, the town needed a new hotel.
Design and Construction
The new building was finished in 1887. It was built with a wood frame and had two and a half stories. The hotel featured Italianate design elements, which were popular at the time. Its strong base was made from limestone.
Later Additions
Even after the new hotel was built, there wasn't enough room. So, in 1904, a two-story section was added to the western side of the building. Today, the hotel is still on a busy street. Dayton Street is now known as U.S. Route 35.
A Historic Landmark
By the early 1990s, the Lange Hotel was no longer used as a hotel. It was empty, but it was still in good shape. In January 1991, the hotel was recognized as very important to history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1991. This special recognition was given because of its important role in the community's history as a center for transportation.
