Construction of the Wauregan Hotel began in 1853 and was completed in 1855. The grand opening of the hotel marked the beginning of its legacy as one of the city’s most prominent historic landmarks. Built on the corner on Broadway and Main streets, the five story Italianate- style hotel contained 100 rooms with a total occupancy of 200 guests. It also featured a spacious full-service dining room capable of seating 160 guests.
Steam-powered heating and electric lighting throughout the entire hotel positioned the Wauregan in the luxury class when compared to other local establishments of its kind. Its close proximity to the city’s railroad depot and the steamboat landing also made the hotel a popular choice for travelers and businessmen. The hotel acquired the large building adjacent to the hotel in 1894. The newly expanded annex to the hotel renamed the Claredon Ballroom became the focal point for civic and community events for decades to come.
To view photographs of the Wauregan Hotel in its nineteenth century heyday, visit the Otis Library’s Flickr page.