Funding has been secured for the redevelopment of Hotel Florence at 11111 South Forrestville Avenue, located in the heart of Pullman National Historic Park. The historic structure stands on the corner of East 111th Street, across from the visitor center and museum. Plans to revive the hotel have been in the works for years, finally moving forward late last year.
Historic image of Hotel Florence via CBS
The main structure rises four stories and dates back to 1881. It was built for $100,000 to serve wealthy visitors to the massive industrial complex. When it opened, it featured 50 rooms, along with amenities such as parlors and the only bar on the property. A rear expansion was added in 1914, and the hotel continued serving guests until it fully closed in 2000.
Image of Hotel Florence (right), and annex (left) by Ian Achong
View of Hotel Florence via CBS
Since then, the state has been seeking a public-private partnership to restore the building. Late last month, it announced that it had reached a deal with Celadon Construction Corp for the $100 million project. The plan will restore the original building into a new boutique hotel with an on-site bar and restaurant, while the 1914 addition will be converted into housing at a later stage.
Rendering of Pullman event center via Harley Clark Development Company
The project will also include the renovation of part of the surrounding former factory space into a new mixed-use community hub. The team will work with Farr & Associates on the design. The funding package will include $21 million in state funds and $83.6 million from other sources. Construction is set to begin in March 2027 and be completed in late 2028.
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Actual progress on this is fantastic to see. We’ve been hearing about plans to do this for decades
Glad to see Doug Farr involved in this restoration project; a sign that it will be done with care and quality.
Farr’s Sustainable Urbanism is one great book, packed with info. I believe I heard him lecture at the Viaduct Theater years ago. Very good choice for this rehab. I used to go to Sunday brunch at the hotel – it was like time traveling.
The Foundry Curious Collection in Asheville, NC was one of the coolest hotels that resulted from an adaptive reuse. It fit so well in the little pocket of a neighborhood. I remember seeing what that area looked like before it got cleaned.
Little elements like this structure can be quite an asset to a neighborhood. Tourists will absolutely enjoy. A local hotel that’s not another generic chain for families who can’t host. People appreciate the unique in our modern-day, bland corporate world.