Somerset —
A planned $2 million renovation of one of Somerset’s historical structures will enhance the southern part of the downtown area.
Facade of The Hotel Beecher, now The Beecher House at 203 South Main Street, will be restored to its original appearance and its once-fabulous Crystal Ballroom will be recreated on a smaller scale, according to Gib Gosser, executive director of Downtown Somerset Development Corporation.
Gosser made the announcement of the grandiose plans during a recent meeting of Somerset City Council for Bill Denney and Sons, current owners of the property. To encourage the project, city council granted a tax moratorium on the property for five years; in other words, freezing the tax assessment for that period.
The renovated building will remain Section 8 housing, a federal program authorizing payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of low-income households. Renovation will reduce the current 62 units to 58, Gosser said.
“Nobody will have to move out of the building,” Gosser said. There are enough empty rental units to allow current residents to change apartments while the work is being done. Pavement at the rear of the building will be removed to make way for a mini-park with gazebos, Gosser noted.
Named for the late Beecher Smith, a Somerset entrepreneur, The Hotel Beecher opened in April 1930. It immediately developed a reputation of the finest hotel between Lexington and Knoxville. The Crystal Ballroom, lighted with magnificent chandeliers, was the heartbeat of Somerset, hosting all meetings and social functions of the time.
A small gymnasium in the basement was home court for the Somerset High School basketball team until the WPA built the school’s existing gym in 1938. The Hotel Beecher, almost a Somerset skyscraper, has five floors above ground and two floors below the lobby.
In the 1940s, Goodall, forerunner of Palm Beach Company, began operation in the basement. For about three years, beginning in 1955, Bee Safety Rubber Glove Company headquartered in the basement. Later, the basement served as a warehouse for the former Albertson’s Electric.
Name of The Beecher Hotel in the mid 1970s changed to Carriage Inn. It ceased being a hotel in the late 1970s when then-owner Glen Neikirk created apartments for Section 8 housing.
Oracle Design Group Inc., a Louisville firm, will prepare the design for the upcoming renovation project. Christopher Byrd is the architect.
Construction is projected to start in mid-August and completion is set for December 2013. Efforts to contact owner Bill Denney were not successful.
Bill Mardis may be contacted at bmardis@somerset-kentucky.com or telephone 451-4919.
Features
Related Photos
-
The facade of The Hotel Beecher, now The Beecher House, will be restored to its original appearance and its fabulous Crystal Ballroom will be recreated on a smaller scale. The $2 million renovation project is projected to start next month. Photo by Ken Shmidheiser
-
This postcard shows the Hotel Beecher in its heyday. Courtesy Rogers Photography
Return to the Glory Years
Beecher House scheduled for $2 million renovation
- Features
-
-
Howling Success
-
Business booming for new liquor store
Five liquor licenses were approved for Somerset and the third store to open was this past week.
Called "First Stop,"the new package store it is located on the west side of U.S. 27 between lights 20 and 21, which is a little north of TSC Tractor Supply. The owner is Charlotte Perdisaris and the manager is Michael Scott.
Perdisaris has been working on getting the store ready for a number of months but was delayed by the shipment and installation of a large 10 x 20 foot walk-in cooler that lines the back of the shop. Otherwise, she thought they could have opened much earlier and, perhaps, have even been the first to open.With such a large cooler, they have a large supply of beer and wine in it to choose from. As to other spirits, they have a large variety of brands, especially high end brands such as Crown Royal and R&R. In addition, they have beer singles on ice. At this time, they are the only local liquor store selling beer in kegs.
First Stop is the last liquor store to open that is locally owned and operated. The remaining two licenses are to drug store retailers. -
Scenic new trails opened at Pulaski County Park
Despite a rainy last several days, outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t help but play in the mud a little this weekend in celebration of the grand opening of biking and hiking trails at Pulaski County Park.
“We’ve been working on this .. for about four years,” said Pulaski County Judge-executive Barty Bullock to a crowd of around 50 people gathered at the head of the new trail at the park. “ ... It’s been such a good project.
“We think it’s going to be a huge asset to this community,” added Bullock.
The essence of the trail has existed at Pulaski County Park for decades as an Eagle Scout Trail. The newest trails, are almost 9 miles long, with five of those miles dedicated to biking.
The trail is built to the standards of the International Mountain Biking Association, a worldwide network that brings together serious bicycle enthusiasts. -
Honey of a Tale
-
Spring Flowers Beautify Downtown Somerset
-
There are definitely eagles in Lake Cumberland area
-
Former General basketball standout Bryant to get key to city of Burnside
-
POISE & PERSEVERANCE LEAD TO MISS TEEN TITLE
-
Dog for diabetic child could be a lifesaver
-
Snakes alive .... in December!
- More Features Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
