If you are standing on the ground floor of the Eugene Hotel next to the staircase, you will see a photo. At first glance, it looks like a man with his son.
It was not until Matt Figi pointed out during a tour that I realized the photo is of the then world’s tallest man with a man of average height in the late 1930s.
By that time, the Eugene Hotel, with its private telephones, indoor plumbing, and an elaborate electrical system, had been open a dozen years. During his nationwide promotional tours for the International Shoe Company, Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man at 8 feet 11 inches, traveled to hundreds of towns across the Midwest and often stayed in local hotels because his appearances were tied to downtown merchants. It’s quite likely that Mr Wadlow had to either sleep diagonally or with two beds pushed together.
That is just one of the many stories the owners have sought to capture as they’ve restored it as a hotel.
Wednesday, August 19th will mark the Eugene Hotel’s 101st anniversary. At noon there will be a ribbon cutting and remarks and then tours of the hotel at 1 and 3 p.m. Ribbon cuttings are always symbolic, but this one will likely feel more of a homecoming than most.
I have been in awe reading comments and hearing directly from people with connections. Like a woman I was stopped by last week, who had two sisters who worked in the restaurant in the basement at the Eugene and whose brother worked in the actual hotel.
There is much to take in at the Eugene Hotel; both physically and in reflecting on everything it’s meant.
The lobby, where many got tattoos not all that long ago, also had items hanging from the banister a decade ago when it was Edelweiss Gifts. The ink may be permanent, but the lobby remains remarkably true to its 1925 self.
Heading up to the mezzanine, you will find two smaller rooms. Places for a respite from traveling and the hustle of the square. I am told that they used to be separate lounges for men and women. Where ladies would write letters separately from their husbands and vice versa. I especially appreciate the windows in this area.
On a larger scale, I am very much appreciating that all of the design elements feel current and elevated. Studio GWA, which has an office in Monroe and connections to the community, nearly matched reality to renderings. The result reminds you that you’re standing in a 101 year old building that was once considered luxurious and advanced and now feels that way again.
Returning the Eugene to its original purpose after it closed in 1981 has been a long journey. Hitting it on its 100th anniversary had been the goal. But in this past year the work done and commitments made by developers, emotionally invested equity investors, city and nonprofit partners, contractors, architect and interior designer have reached the finish line. On its 101st anniversary, the project has been done right.
And so, the open house on the 19th will celebrate not just a beautifully restored building beginning its second century renewed in purpose, but a space that will once again welcome visitors to the heart of Monroe.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Anyone interested in finding out more, including on how to volunteer, can at mainstreetmonroe.org.
