Inside Look is a Fresno Bee series where we take readers behind the scenes at restaurants, new businesses, local landmarks and news stories.
Time has changed Hotel Fresno.
Time, three demolitions and more than $43 million.
The long-abandoned, eight-story mid-rise officially reopens Thursday morning with an event that welcomes downtown’s latest mixed-use project: 81 units of market-rate and affordable housing alongside four restored commercial spaces.
“It’s the first time the general public is allowed into the building,” says Miguel Arias, who represents Fresno’s third city council district and has been an advocate (and kind of unofficial liaison) for the project.
“And the first time the residents will be allowed in this space.”
By this space, he means the hotel’s iconic first floor, which has been fully restored close to its original state, as is required of a 112-year-old building that is on local and national historic registries.
“The most modern hotel in Fresno”
Hotel Fresno was built in 1912 as the largest (250 rooms) and most luxurious hotel between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It was not only the spot for the city’s civic and social gatherings (with its lavish atrium lobby and dinning hall) it was also the go-to for celebrities during their stays in town.