Historic Wilson Hotel Project * Centralia, WA

Today begins the blog about the massive undertaking of the renovation and rehabilitation of the grand Wilson  Hotel on Tower Avenue in Centralia, WA.  Originally built by the Robinson Brothers of New York in 1914, the Wilson was a legend in its own time. The Wilson Hotel was an anchor to the downtown core of Centralia, formerly known as Centerville.  During the turn of the century downtown Centralia was bustling with commerce revolving around the impressive railroad hub built there.  The 10 block region running along Tower Avenue & Pearl Avenue comprise the current Historic Downtown of Centralia.  The Wilson Hotel is located on the north end of Tower Avenue and sits of the corner of Tower & Maple. 

After several years of searching for a historic building to rehabilitate, the principals of Monteleone & Company discovered the Wilson Hotel.   Touring the building for the first time was a shocking experience as the hotel had fallen into a major state of disrepair.  For those of you who have physically been inside the building ~ you understand the magnitude and toll taken by the years of neglect the building suffered.  For almost 80 years the building operated as a hotel.  A true landmark in the downtown core.  In the mid 90’s the building fell into the hands of an owner that converted the structure into low income housing apartment dwellings.  The wear and tear of almost 90 years and lack of proper maintenance took its toll on the tired Wilson. 

Despite the outward appearance of the run down old shell of its former self ~ Monteleone & Company went to work to evaluate the possible renovation potential of the Wilson.  After a lengthy feasibility period, it was decided to move forward with the purchase and commit to the total rehabilitation of the hotel and restore the structure to its former hospitality use.  A major contributing factor in weighing the decision to purchase the building was the City of Centralia’s commitment to inact a renaissance of its downtown historic district.  The City Council and support team enacted a Revitalization Plan in 2004 that committed the city to a complete rehabilitation of the downtown sector.  The Monteleones were impressed with the city’s plan of action and the dollars invested to begin the revitalization process.  The City of Centralia spent in excess of $5 million dollars on rehabilitating the Historic Centralia Train Depot, replacing the city sidewalks and street scape, replacing and improving the light posts to reflect their original design, landscaping and creating an Economic Development Director position on the city staff to implement the Revitalization Plan.  More information about the Revitalization Plan can be discovered at the city’s web site : centralia.com

The renaissance of the Historic District in Centralia is underway.  The rehabilitation of the Wilson Hotel will be a significant contribution to the goal of restoring Centralia to its former glory of a bustling downtown area alive with people, growing community and commerce.  Monteleone & Company are the now the parent company to Historic Wilson Hotel, LLC.  We are proud to be a part of the Centralia Renaissance in progress!