The historic Hotel Will Rogers in Claremore, Oklahoma, finished a seven-month, $2.4 million renovation and is rechristened Will Rogers Lofts.
Also known as the Will Rogers Hotel, it long was known for its radium baths; the naturally occurring water was believed to hold health benefits. According to KOTV in Tulsa:
During the renovations, the builders were able to preserve some of the baths.
A developer out of Kansas bought the hotel in November, investing nearly $2.5 million for renovations to update the 38 apartment units.
According to another story about the renovations, the historic radium baths lie on the sixth floor. Here is a photo of one:
The former Hotel Will Rogers operated as senior housing for nearly 20 years. But new owner Jake Mooney allows young adults to rent it as well, according to The Daily Progress in Claremore.
The hotel sits in the center of downtown Claremore on Will Rogers Boulevard and Lynn Riggs Boulevard (aka Route 66). Claremore long was known as the home base of famous Oklahoma humorist, writer and actor Will Rogers.
The Rogers County Historical Society provided more about the hotel’s history:
The historic Hotel Will Rogers was dedicated on February 7, 1930, when Louis Abraham, Walter Krumrei, and Morton Harrison financed the facility. Their plan came together after Louis’ father came to Claremore to take mineral water baths and was miraculously cured of rheumatism. He fell in love with Claremore, but felt that it was held back as a health resort for the lack of suitable hotel facilities. The fireproof structure of concrete and steel, unique for its time, cost $321,000 to build when it was completed with its Spanish interior decor and stylish furnishings. The six-story hotel with its 78 rooms and seven apartments was designated as a bomb shelter during World War II.
The hotel closed in 1991. It underwent a $2.5 million renovation and reopened in 1997 as senior housing. The Hotel Will Rogers is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lofts are renting for $480 a month, with utilities included. Renters must meet certain income requirements. Those who wish to tour the facility can make an appointment by calling (918) 343-0045.
(Vintage postcard image of Hotel Will Rogers in Claremore, Oklahoma, via 66postcards.com)