Part 3: Monticello progress continues despite drama – Longview Daily News

The sounds of screeching saws and radio music filter through the Monticello Hotels Crystal Ballroom, where a newly re-plastered ceiling is awaiting a fresh coat of paint. Upstairs, on the third floor, remodeling crews are hammering in nails and preparing to install new kitchen cabinets into future luxury apartments.

Every time I come up here its always new. ... It changes daily! exclaimed Sharon Walker, general manager, as she walked through the third floor.

In spite of recent shakeups in the hotels management, progress on the multimillion-dollar remodel continues, and much of the work will be done by June, Walker says. However, that will depend on a fresh infusion of money.

According to city permits, the project already has exceeded $1.3 million in valuation and likely is closer to $3 million, said Sean Comfort, a Tacoma engineer and investor in the Monticello. Combined with the $2.8 million sale price, this means the investors may end up putting nearly $6 million into the place.

The project hangs in a delicate balance; owners are waiting for a multimillion-dollar loan to help pay for additional remodeling expenses. Without that loan, Monticello Place could face bankruptcy, Walker said. But the new managers and owners are determined to see the restoration through, and they are hoping to once again make the Monticello a vital community gathering space.

Were looking forward to tying us back into the community its pretty exciting, Comfort said.

Here is a breakdown of the work that has been done so far, and what the future hotel could look like:

The Crystal Ballroom, with its arching plasterwork ceiling, will once again be a venue for community events, with some events already scheduled in late June. A old drop ceiling was removed, revealing decorative plaster patterns in some areas. Some of the decorative patterns had to be replicated, and now painting has started. An early 20th century-style bar will be installed in the next few weeks, adjacent to a stage and VIP section in the Speak Easy section of the ballroom.

Workers salvaged one of the original decorative columns that used to line the Crystal Ballroom. The original was sent to Las Vegas to be replicated, and 42 columns will once again edge the room, which will feature original tiling.

Outside, an area that was walled off 40 years ago is now open, with new concrete poured to make way for an outdoor seating area. An iron railing will be installed in early June. New landscaping and flowers have been added. In some areas, four feet of concrete were removed, revealing original mint and dark green checkered tiling.

After removing a wall in the restaurant area, crews found a heavy-duty crane wheel that historically was used to hoist food from the basement to the first floor, Walker said. The wheel will be on display in the restaurant, slated to open in August. A new wooden bar accented with zebra wood and early 20th century embellishments has been installed. Sliding glass doors will lead to an outdoor patio with views of R.A. Long Park.

In the area where the Fireside Lounge used to be, a new coffee shop and bakery is slated to open in July, which will be operated by Monticello Place.

The lobby will be returned to its original configuration; walls that were installed in the 1960s will be torn down, but the paintings depicting Lewis and Clarks expedition will remain intact.

On the third floor, work on the luxury apartments continues with electrical, plumbing, steel stud framing and sheetrock complete. Kitchen cabinets were slated to be installed by late last week. New tiles, six-foot tubs and new appliances were installed. Five out of 10 units have already been pre-leased, with two more leases pending, Walker said.

Once the first and third floor, renovations are complete; the hotel will have 18 suites. Some will have themes with a nod to the hotels history, such as the Eleanor Roosevelt Suite (because the former first lady stayed at the hotel once), Walker said. Some overnight rooms will be available, as well as space for extended stay visitors such as traveling doctors or international student athletes. The newly refurbished rentals will help to fill the need for more rental spaces in Longview, too, Comfort said.

The construction project has taken a few more months than the owners originally expected, but Comfort said the project is coming along smoothly. It is only a matter of months before the historic gem of Longview shines again, owners say.

Contact Daily News reporter Marissa Luck at 360-577-2539

More here:

Part 3: Monticello progress continues despite drama - Longview Daily News