Elston Hall, US hotel in New York State
Elston Hall is a six-story brick building in Schenectady built in 1925 as the Hotel Van Curler, featuring Georgian Revival style with six columns at the entrance, stone trim, and decorative urns along the roofline. Inside, it retains original elements including terrazzo floors, wood paneling, and the Mohawk Room with an original fireplace and views toward the river.
The building opened in 1925 as the Hotel Van Curler, funded partly by major companies like General Electric and the American Locomotive Company to provide lodging for visitors and workers. After bankruptcy in 1968, Schenectady County purchased the building and converted it into part of Schenectady County Community College, preserving much of its historic character.
Elston Hall served as the Hotel Van Curler for decades, functioning as a social hub where business travelers and local residents gathered regularly. The building reflects the city's industrial prosperity and shows how historic spaces adapt to serve communities in new ways.
The building is easily visible from the public street and located near the historic Stockade District with a nearby garden and fountain. Visitors should know that the grounds are now part of the Community College and some interior areas may have restricted access.
The building hosted notable visitors including Franklin D. Roosevelt before his presidency, Eleanor Roosevelt, conductor John Philip Sousa, and Robert F. Kennedy. These visits highlight its standing as a prestigious gathering place during Schenectady's industrial heyday.
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