The Coronado Hotel is getting its second wind.
The Coronado Hotel LLC, located at the corner of Spring and Lindell across from Cook Hall, has been vacant for years. Originally built in 1925, the building is recognized on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
In its prime, the Coronado was one of the best hotels in St. Louis. It’s rumored that even the Queen of England once stayed there on a visit to St. Louis.
So why isn’t this building that was once fit for a queen being used?
After many years of being abandoned, this 280,000 square-foot gem will finally be put to use. Originally, Gundaker Commercial Group was planning to purchase the building. Kathleen Brady, vice president of Facilities Management and Civic Affairs at Saint Louis University, confirmed that the University was talking with Gundaker about the possible uses of the building.
Gundaker had planned to turn the massive space into apartments, condos and a hotel with parking. It would also have retail uses and banquet rooms, as well as bar and restaurant operations.
However, the Coronado has recently come under new ownership.
Kathy Bresnahan, manager of Lindell Towers and area manager Amrit Gill talked about the possibilities they envision for the former hotel.
“Nothing is certain yet,” said Bresnahan, “because architects and engineers are still drawing up blueprints and sizing up the building to determine the best use of the hotel. The building is so old that they don’t know yet what will be possible.”
However, many ideas similar to those of Gundaker have been brought to the table. The tower section will almost certainly become rental apartments, much to the relief of SLU students in search of decent off-campus housing.
The other portion of the building may be used as commercial space.
St. Louis Bread Co. and some bars have expressed an interest in the space. Other ideas, such as a ballroom and a grocery store, have also been discussed.
By September, when the architects and engineers are finished, the owners should have a better idea of what the potential is for the building.
The new owners have also met with SLU. Gill said, “The meeting was a courtesy to the University. The owners want to best serve the needs of its neighbors. The owners wanted to get some input from the University in order to meet the needs of SLU students.”
The University did not have any monetary involvement in this project with Gundaker, nor does it have any money involved with the new owners, but University officials are still enthusiastic about the project.
Brady said, “We are still very interested in seeing the building redeveloped.”
Until at least the fall, no plans will be put into action. However, one thing is for sure-The Coronado Hotel will definitely be getting a facelift.
Gill said, “No matter what happens, the owners will be looking at historical texts and restoring the building to how it looked when it originally opened.”
