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Summary
Hilton House Hotel
434 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, Rock County
Architect: Frost & Granger
Date of Construction: 1904
Situated on a prominent corner, the Hilton House Hotel contrasts against the simple late-nineteenth century commercial buildings that dominate the downtown. The Chicago architectural firm of Charles Sumner Frost and Alfred Hoyt Granger designed a state-of-the-art hotel with 80 rooms (20 with private baths), a large dining room and a saloon. Named for Charles C. Hilton, a prominent Chicago hotelier who served as the hotel's first manager, the Hilton House was the only hotel in the state, outside Milwaukee, that was of fireproof construction. Nationally prominent lawyer and politician William Jennings Bryan presided at the opening and served the first dinner in the hotel dining room. For the next 60 years, the hotel was the center of Beloit's business, civic and social life.
The Neo-Classical Revival style three-story pilasters and a closed pediment on the front face of the hotel create a formal appearance in keeping with its status. In 2001, the Hilton House was rehabilitated through the federal historic preservation tax credit program. Madison architect Arlan Kay converted the building into commercial/apartment use, while restoring much of its original grandeur.
The first floor commercial space is open during business hours. The upper floors are private residences. Please respect the privacy of the residents.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering,Event |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Commerce |
| Period of Significance | 1904-1953 |
| Architectural Style | Classical Revival |
| Architect | Granger, Alfred H.,Foster, Charles S. |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Hotel |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 18, 2003 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Nov 7, 2003 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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