I went out 183 to Lampasas, and then picked up 281. Approaching Mineral Wells, I saw a huge building and wondered what it was. when I got into town, I had to stop and get a couple of pictures, and asked a lady in a shop across the street about it. I apologize for the power lines, but i couldn't get the top of the building without them.
It is the Baker Hotel, built in the 1920s and abandoned thirty-odd years ago. The lady across the street told me that it had recently been purchased, with a view to restoration. It is very spooky, with lots of broken windows up high, and tattered curtains hanging in others. I would love to have had a tour, but they only do that on weekends. I may just have to go back. Especially after reading Baker Hotel Ghosts.
Mineral Wells is a town that could use a lot of restoration, located west of Ft. Worth on Texas Highway 281. The south wind was blowing my jacket off, and I think it's usually like that. There were dust devils in the lee of the hotel.
I like that, a kind of creepy, abandoned hotel. I wonder if it has an interesting history.
ReplyDeleteSplendid looking place- I adore 20's architecture! Polychromatic tile! High ceilings! Beveled everything! Ghosts! Any tunnels to former speakeasys, perchance? Love it!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunatey, some of the information you received about the Baker is incorrect. The building has not been recently purchased. It has a letter of intent from a group that has indicated that they are looking to purchase the hotel, but it has not sold at this time. We would love to see it purchased and restored, but it looks like a far off dream right now.
ReplyDeleteThey also haven't conducted tours (even on weekends) for quite some time now. The building does not have any electicity.
Hopefully, this will all change someday.
It is certainly interesting for me to read that article. Thank author for it. I like such themes and anything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more soon.
ReplyDeleteAllison, click on the first link for the history, or just google it.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I am sorry to hear that I misinterpreted the lady I spoke with. I had hoped that the place was on its way to restoration! It is so beautiful!
What a shame, I hope it does get restored, I love old buildings.
ReplyDeleteOh and Ronni..I'm open and posting again.
It is rather interesting for me to read the article. Thank you for it. I like such topics and everything connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool building! I would SO love to spend a night there and see what happens. I'll bet those walls do a lot of talking. I hope it's restored soon.
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