Eureka Inn

Infobox_nrhp | name =Eureka Inn
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location= Eureka, California
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built =1922, 1924 (major addition of back wing)
architect= Frederick Whitton
architecture= Tudor Revival (Tudorbethan)
added = February 11 1982
governing_body = Private
refnum= 82002181 [ [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ca/Humboldt/state.html| National Register of Historic Places] ] The Eureka Inn in Eureka, California, is a four story, 150 room Elizabethan Tudor Revival or Tudorbethan architectural style hotel, which dates from 1922. In 1982 the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For both architectural and cultural reasons, the hotel is one of the most important buildings on the far North Coast of California.

In late September 2008 (after the inn had been closed more than four years), the Eureka Times Standard reported that Lebo Zhu purchased the Inn for 2.75 million dollars. His business plan, reviewed by the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, suggests that he has "ambitious" plans to honor the the inn's "integrity as a historic hotel." [Eureka Times Standard, [http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_10544744 Eureka Inn buyer reportedly wants to restore building as a historic hotel] Url Retrieved September 24, 2008.]

Architecture and features

Architectural details contributing to the richness of this imposing Tudorbethan structure include the use of differing roof forms and "visually stunning textured elevations", which are highlighted by stucco and half-timbering ["Eureka: An Architectural View", p. 84] (see photo below).

The 93,000 square foot hotel, which fully occupies a city block, has 104 guest rooms, including 99 rooms and five full suites. The hotel has historically contained up to three restaurants, two bars, two saunas, an indoor spa, [ [http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/ProfileSE.aspx?LID=15225560&linkcode=10850&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001 Loopnet.com Commercial Real Estate] ] and nine meeting venues, all of which has been supported by up to 140 employees. [ [http://profiles.hospitalityonline.com/202424/ Hospitality online] ] Resplendent with its courtyard (now primarily a swimming pool), grand entry, great lounge and giant fireplace, and constructed of Redwood, it is the largest conference facility and third largest lodging property in the region.

Cultural significance

The hotel opening and dedication in 1922 coincided with the opening of the Redwood Highway between Eureka and San Francisco. A large property for those times, the Eureka Inn was the premier full service lodging between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Though it housed many thousands of visitors (including US Presidents and royalty) from all over the world during its first several decades, the hotel began to show the effects of time. In 1960 Helen Barnum, the matriarch of a successful timber family in the county, purchased controlling interest in the hotel and a process of modernization began. [North Coast Journal, [http://www.northcoastjournal.com/011504/cover0115.html Inn Trouble] , Url Retrieved September 24, 2008.]

Starting with the holiday seasons after a significant management change in 1976, the hotel was known for daily cultural offerings against the backdrop of extensive decorations representing each year's carefully chosen Christmas theme. The events were typically centered on a large, extravagantly decorated Christmas tree in the old world style great lounge and main lobby. The front entry portico (usually graced by the presence of a large Cadillac limousine) situated on elevated landscaping made this hotel the chosen spot for parade watchers and official review stands through the years. Countless meetings, conferences, receptions and various family events have occurred in this venue, a favorite of Humboldt County residents and visitors alike.

The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been closed for several years. Though the exterior has been recently (2005) completely refurbished, including a return to its crisp 1920's color scheme of white with green highlighting and trim, the interior needs extensive work to be made again ready for the public. The 2004 foreclosure, closure, and subsequent auction [ [http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=4458| Eureka Reporter, September 21. 2005] ] led to a palpable void in the community, which easily recalls its former glory as the place to be in Eureka and Humboldt County.

Notes

References

* "Eureka: An Architectural View", by The Eureka Heritage Society, Inc; ISBN 0-9615004-0-9