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The Eureka Inn in Eureka, California, is a four story, 150 room Tudor Revival or Tudorbethan architectural style hotel covering an entire city block, which dates from its dedication in 1922. The 93,000 square foot hotel has 104 guest rooms, three restaurants, two bars, two saunas, an indoor spa, [2] and nine meeting venues, all of which has been supported by up to 140 employees.[3] Resplendent with its courtyard (now primarily a swimming pool), grand entry, great lounge and giant fireplace, and constructed of Redwood, it was the premier large property providing lodging between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. When the Redwood Highway opened the year of the building's completion, there was no other lodging like it for hundreds of miles. Architectural details contributing to the richness of this imposing structure include the use of differing roof forms and visually stunning textured elevations, which are highlighted by stucco and half-timbering[4] (see photo below). It remains the largest conference facility and third largest lodging in the region.
Stucco and half-timbering on facade
The Eureka Inn has lodged many thousands of visitors (including US Presidents and royalty) from all over the world. 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 both Humboldt County residents and visitors.
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[5]of this architectural gem of the North Coast and the fact that it remains closed has been heart-wrenching for those who recall its former glory as a great meeting place for residents of Eureka and the premier property housing visitors to the region.
- ^ National Register of Historic Places
- ^ Loopnet.com Commercial Real Estate
- ^ Hospitality online
- ^ Eureka: An Architectural View, p. 84
- ^ Eureka Reporter, September 21. 2005
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