Once the epitome of high culture and the happening scene, the old Coronado Hotel housed such famous guests as Queen Marie of Romania, Charles Lindbergh, and according to rumor, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Even so, it is likely to remain boarded up for the near future unless the owner, Sterling Properties, finds someone to buy it.
Built in 1925, the Coronado was named after the Spanish explorer Francesco Vasquez de Coronado. Such renowned jazz performers as Duke Ellington, Jimmy Blanton and Bix Beiderbecke have performed on the Coronado stage. When the stage was empty for the night, one of the more popular places to go in the Coronado Hotel was called the Coal Hole. Back when coal was widely used to heat, the Coal Hole was where the coal was stored. After gas became more popular, the Coal Hole was transformed into a bar with cocktail music and a piano.
“Radio station WIL was once quartered there (Coronado Hotel), as was the hotel’s signature pit stop, the Coal Hole. The ballroom accommodated some of our towns fanciest functions,” said St. Louis Post Dispatch columnist, Ray Jordan.
Between 1947 and 1963 the Coronado was owned by the Sheraton Company. In 1964, Saint Louis University bought the hotel and used it as a residence hall for the Divinity school. During this time the Coronado was known as Lewis Hall. Some time between 1980 and 1985 the Coronado was sold.
According to John Wade, Head of Archives at Pius XII Memorial Library, the Coronado Hotel has probably been vacant for approximately 15 years. Currently, the Coronado and Lindell Towers are owned by Sterling Properties.
“We look for properties where we can come in and make a change or improvement and increase the value. We either get a higher rate or decrease the cost of operating the building,” said Sterling Properties vice president, Matt Harvey, in an interview with the St. Louis Business Journal.
Sterling Properties has no intention of renovating the Coronado Hotel, but it is for sale, along with nearby Lindell Towers. According to the St. Louis Business Journal the Coronado package is drawing some local interest.
“We think it is a very good area to invest in, with outstanding quality,” said historic developmental specialist for Gundaker Commercial Phil Estep.
Yet, Sterling Properties Area manager John Neurenberger states that, “papers have yet to be signed.”
Therefore the sight of the old Coronado Hotel with boarded-up doorways and fake windows will stay within view for the present, a constant reminder of past grandeur.
Sterling Properties and Gundaker Commercial could not be reached for comment.
