I recently updated my original post about the Hotel Willard, noting that it appeared work was being done on the property. When I shared this on social media, it was confirmed that it’s being prepared for demolition. I’m not using this space to criticize the decision but rather to share some last photographs of this landmark.
It amazes me that communities can’t see the value in such properties, but owners are often reluctant to pour money into them and as a result they deteriorate over time to the point that repair is not feasible. We say we love our heritage but we have a really bad track record of saving it.
I understand that many of the architectural features of the hotel are being salvaged. I hope this cast iron door frame is among them.
Unfortunately, the most important features, such as the brickwork around the entrance and the fanlights will be lost forever.
