Nestled in the heart of downtown Lake Charles, the art-deco Gothic-style Charleston Hotel was closed by the state fire marshal on May 7, 1973. Considered an eye sore and a health hazard, the city was tasked with what to do with the structure.

Most of city council members felt she should be condemned and torn down.

“What is her crime? She is no longer beautiful, nor is she discreet in picking her associates, say her opponents,” American Press staff writer Carolyn Moffett wrote in the newspaper’s Oct. 11, 1978, edition. “Behind the padlocked double doors the paint is flaking, the roof is leaking, the floors stand in water, crimson carpets reek with musk, paintings are mildewed and the few remaining furnishings are scattered like debris.”

Vacant five years at that point, vandals had ransacked the building, removing accouterments and fittings, and nearly all of the ceiling fans that once graced her 144 rooms.

“Pigeons roost on the roof top, creating a health hazard and a nuisance on the sidewalks below, and transients find a resting place on her lower floors,” Moffett wrote.

The 10-story hotel was built in 1928 when agriculture was still the major industry in the area and the steamship Borealis Rex was docked at the end of Ryan Street. The Rex’s many passengers often sought overnight accommodations at the Charleston. Three railroads also brought visitors to the hotel.

An editorial in the Lake Charles American Press on March 4, 1929, said Lake Charles had “entered the skyscraper period of development with the erection and formal opening” of the Charleston.

The skyscraper was one of only three statewide at that time outside of New Orleans.

History buff Reid Tyler told the American Press in 1978 about the “rollicking parties” held at the Charleston.

Ladies held bridge parties on the mezzanine overlooking the lobby. Businessmen met in the upstairs rooms and the dining room and bar downstairs buzzed with conversation.

Weddings, teas, coffees, family gatherings and conventions occupied the gilt-trimmed grand ballroom.

“Dinner dances were held on the tropical roof garden with its gorgeous panoramic views of the city and our famous streets,” Mrs. L.L. Kiplinger told the American Press.

Kiplinger said the hotel offered a home-like atmosphere that was “conducive to relaxed entertaining. When it opened it was the nicest thing in Lake Charles. Everyone entertained there. It was the place to go.”

B.B. Anderson, a Kansas developer with a background in hotel renovations, came to the Charleston’s rescue, acquiring rights to the property in 1981.

Bill Bradshaw, the local architect who oversaw the Charleston’s renovations, told the American Press on May 18, 1984, that $3 million was invested in repairing the building.

“The first and second floors have the most architectural value,” Bradshaw said. “Both floors have about 9,000 square feet and it was there that we really tried to restore.”

Two completely rebuilt elevators were made to service the top floors and 140 parking spots were added.

In 1984, the Charleston was honored by the Calcasieu Preservation Society with its Adaptive Reuse Award.

Today the building is the home of Jake Stutes Events and the Candice Alexander Art Studio on the bottom two floors and office space and residential apartments make up the other eight floors.