The Hotel Stockton is one of the memorable landmarks of our city.
It was built in 1910 by local businessmen Lee A. Phillips, Frank
A. West and Samuel Frankenheimer. The three secured an option on
a parcel known as "Weber Hold" at the head of the Stockton
Channel. Architect Edgar B. Brown drew the plans for the building,
which was to become the first re-enforced concrete structure in
the Central Valley.
Construction began on July 13, 1909, and was opened on May 25, 1910.
$500,000.00 was spent to erect this structure which contained 252
rooms, 200 with private bath, and a magnificent roof garden with
fountain and pergola. The rooms were available to guests at a cost
of $2.00 with bath, $1.00 without.
The Hotel offered travellers through Stockton on any one of three
rail systems, Delta river steamers and roadways an elegant place
to stay. Comfort and elegance were the hallmarks of the Hotel Stockton.
In 1950, an extensive renovation was undertaken at a cost of $200,000.00.
The timing for such a hotel in the heart of Stockton was poor. Roadside
motels, limited parking for automobiles near the hotel and rising
costs forced the hotel to close its doors on November 26, 1960.
Much of the hotel was occupied by the County, since the County courthouse
across the street was slated for demolition. For many years, the
County Department of Public Assistance was housed in the hotel.
In 1992, the County vacated the structure, moving into new facilities.
The Hotel Stockton was a symbol of our community for half a century
and is a city landmark structure. It is on the National Register
of Historic Places.
|