St. Nicholas Hotel, listed on the NRHP in Illinois
The St. Nicholas Hotel is a historic building in Springfield, Illinois, constructed in 1855 and expanded multiple times over its lifetime. It features Georgian Revival architecture and originally served as a lodging place for travelers, politicians, and community leaders.
The hotel was founded in 1855 and reached its peak importance when the McCreery family operated it from the Civil War era through the 1940s. It declined as a hotel in the following decades but was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The hotel served as a social gathering place for newspaper editors, politicians, and local leaders who met regularly there. Its dining reputation attracted patrons who came for hearty meals and friendly service rather than luxury accommodations.
The building no longer functions as a hotel and has been converted into apartments. Visitors can see the exterior and explore the historic significance of this central Springfield location on East Jefferson Street, near government buildings and other heritage sites.
Shortly after Secretary of State Paul Powell died in 1970, over 750,000 dollars was found hidden in boxes and briefcases in his hotel room. This discovery led to corruption investigations and revealed the hidden stories this building held.
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