Yes it happens.
Work to revive Mineral Wells’ “Grand Old Lady” is in full swing.
This June will mark two years since a massive restoration project began Bringing the neglected Baker Hotel back to life.
Originally opened by TB Baker for $ 1.2 million in 1929, it was the first air-conditioned hotel in Texas and featured an Olympic-size swimming pool and spa that attracted thousands to enjoy the healing waters of Mineral Wells.
After the hotel closed its doors in 1972, it slowly declined until a group of investors partnered with the city to buy the property in 2019 restore the famous hotel.
Since then, eager residents and passers-by have watched the transformation unfold from the street.
Photos: Inside the Baker Hotel renovation
“Every day there is satisfaction,” said Mark Rawlings, project manager and general partner for restoration. “You see progress.”
While the credit for saving the historic hotel belongs to the city – parishioners and investors – who refused to give up their dream of restoring it, Rawlings is tasked with bringing the Baker Hotel back to life.
It is believed to be the largest private restoration project in Texas history.
“I’m just in love,” said Rawlings. “It will take a long time and I am glad to be able to participate.”
Rawlings has been involved in other high profile restoration hotel projects, including the Driskell Hotel in Austin and the St. Anthony in San Antonio, but says the Baker Hotel is his favorite.
“It’s amazing how much craftsmanship is,” said Rawlings. “The place was over the top for its day and they had some great artisans so we are honored to continue the tradition and bring things back and there was so much good stuff just buried.
Their work is most visible from the street and high above the city.
Mark Rawlings, Restoration Project Manager and General Partner of The Baker Hotel and Spa, talks about the unusual things workers found in the walls during the renovation.
All of the original 997 windows have been restored – a process that was done entirely on site and took almost a year to complete.
The most dramatic change so far could be the famous “Cloud Room”. The ballroom on the 12th floor was once covered in rubble and graffiti, and partially obscured by renovations carried out decades earlier.
The crews destroyed everything that was not original to the hotel with a plan that the public spaces would look exactly like they did when the Baker Hotel opened in 1929.
Rawlings is very excited to share details on what has been referred to as the “Treasury”.
All items are stored here, from the original chandeliers to molded parts and doors.
Rawlings said that only now that the rubble and grime has been removed can he and his team begin examining the architecture and symbolism behind the original details in the moldings and walls.
“We make sure that we harvest everything, save everything and have rooms full of door hinges to old toilets and lights, and we save everything. It didn’t deserve to go to the dump, ”said Rawlings.
There are plans to restore as many items as possible to put them back in the hotel. What cannot be used is sold so that the public can own a piece of the Baker Hotel. The money raised will go back to the project, Rawlings said.
Once completed, a museum in the hotel will display items uncovered during the restoration, as well as the history of the baker’s past.
People are invited to be part of the restoration project by following the instructions below Baker Hotel & Spa on Facebook and Instagram and are invited to share old photos or stories about the hotel and even items that once belonged to the hotel.
A family donated back the original shoe shine stand they bought at auction years ago. It was in the lobby when the hotel first opened.
Relatives of the original owner, TB Baker, also donated pieces of china that were once used in the hotel.
Rawlings said they are waiting for final design plans to begin with the guest rooms and common areas.
14 guest suites will retain their historic size, but the remaining guest rooms will be expanded to enable modern living.
The restoration also includes the spa and Olympic pool.
Originally planned for fall 2022, Rawlings is now planning to open in 2024. As with many hospitality projects, the pandemic has resulted in delays.
“We didn’t have the effect that many places have, that we could work right through,” said Rawlings. “However, material pricing is insane right now and we are waiting and hoping it will stabilize soon.”
Rawlings said he was thrilled to have the doors opened so everyone can enjoy what they enjoy every day.
“That is the goal. We want to open it up and get everyone to enjoy it for who we are. “
