St. Nicholas Hotel (Springfield, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
St. Nicholas Hotel
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 400 E. Jefferson St., Springfield, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built |
|
| Architect | H. L. Stevens & Co. |
| Architectural style | Georgian Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000336 |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1983 |
The St. Nicholas Hotel is a very old and important building located in Springfield, Illinois. It stands at 400 E. Jefferson Street. This building has a long history and has seen many interesting events and famous people over the years.
Contents
A Look at the St. Nicholas Hotel's History
The St. Nicholas Hotel has been around for a long time. The first part of the hotel was built way back in 1855. Later, in 1910, an extra section was added. The main building you see today was finished in 1924.
How the Hotel Was Designed
The main building was designed in a style called Georgian Revival. This style was popular for its classic and grand look. A company from New York City named H.L. Stevens and Company created the plans for the hotel. When the current main building opened, it was one of the tallest buildings in Springfield. Only the State Capitol building was taller!
Famous Visitors and Important Meetings
The St. Nicholas Hotel became a popular spot for important people. Because it was close to the Illinois General Assembly (where state laws are made), many Illinois politicians would meet there. They often discussed important state business inside the hotel.
Presidents Who Stayed Here
Many famous visitors came to the St. Nicholas Hotel. This includes three United States Presidents!
Imagine staying in the same place where presidents once slept!
A Story About Paul Powell
A man named Paul Powell lived at the St. Nicholas Hotel for a while. He was the Illinois Secretary of State, which is an important job in the state government. After he passed away in 1970, a large amount of money was found in his hotel room. This discovery led to an investigation into how he earned so much money. The investigation helped make sure that government officials follow the rules.
The Hotel's Legacy Today
The St. Nicholas Hotel was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 10, 1983. This means it's recognized as a very important historical building. It is special because it's the only hotel left in Springfield that dates back to the 1920s or earlier.
Today, the building is no longer a hotel. It has been changed into apartments and is now called the St. Nicholas Apartments. Even though it's not a hotel anymore, it remains an important part of Springfield's history.
