New owner for Cherokee’s historic Lewis Hotel

Zachary Z. Zoul, Owner and Managing Member, has announced that Zoul Properties LLC has acquired the Historic Lewis Hotel at 231 W. Main Street in Cherokee.

The Lewis Hotel was constructed (completed) in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a three-story landmark building located in downtown Cherokee at the corner of Main Street and S. 4th Street. The building is currently a mixed used property with residential and commercial uses. The second and third floors are residential apartments – one and two bedrooms. The first floor and lower level are dedicated to commercial and office use.

The investment by Zoul Properties and commercial tenants in the property is expected to exceed $1 million. Zoul Properties intends to continue the renovation work that commenced in 2019 by the prior owner with work to include renovations of the upper level apartments and renovation and restoration of the 1st floor and lower level commercial spaces. The renovation work will include restoration of the street-side exterior elevations including new historically correct windows, doors, and facades. The interior grand lobby and foyer will be restored to its original configuration and design.

In making the decision to purchase the property and invest in the community, Zoul said “We have been very impressed by the Cherokee community. It offers an exceptional quality of life and has a strong and diverse economy. The City and local business and economic development officials have demonstrated a positive and progressive approach to community development. In particular, the downtown is vital and dynamic and has a diverse mix of retail stores, office, and other commercial enterprises.

“City and local officials have been very supportive of the preservation of the Historic Lewis Hotel and encouraging of our plans. We have been especially impressed with the Cherokee Historic Preservation Commission and their active and engaged board members. This commitment has greatly influenced our decision to proceed with the project”.

The first floor consists of 8,250 square feet of commercial space in three bays – central, east, and west. The lower basement level consists of 7,400 square feet in three bays – central, east and west. These six commercial areas will be marketed for retail, office, and food and beverage uses and outlets including a micro-brewery.

The first floor and lower level feature high ceilings and original design components which will be conducive to a variety of uses. Zoul Properties will be developing these spaces as shell spaces for further development by commercial tenants.

Zachary Zoul stated that his firm is committed to undertaking the renovations to the building in a manner consistent with the original design of the building and to maintaining the historical integrity of the building. Zoul Properties recently completed the restoration of the historic Carnegie Library building in Grand Island, Nebraska. Zoul stated “We are committed to restoring the building exterior on the street elevations consistent with the original design including full length windows and storefronts”. “We will also be restoring the original Lobby and grand foyer”.

Zoul is inviting local residents to provide input on the use of the commercial spaces based on community needs. Zoul is also asking local residents to provide photographs of the interior spaces. Zoul stated “We have only been able to find a few photographs of the building interior. We would like to restore the interior spaces to their original design and layout wherever possible, so it would be very helpful to have assistance from Cherokee residents and others that may have photographs”.

Cherokee has a strong need for housing and the upper level apartments will be retained. Consideration will be given to providing furnished units for short term occupancy. Zoul Properties has also engaged the hotel consulting firm – Hospitality Advisors Group, an affiliated company (www.hospitalityadvisorsgroup.com), to undertake a feasibility study of converting a portion of the building to its original hotel use along with restaurant, banquet/event, and other related hospitality uses.

One of the first tenants in the building will be Iowa West Realty. Iowa West Realty specializes in multi-family and commercial investment properties and serves western Iowa from Des Moines west to Nebraska.

Renovation work will commence immediately and will continue through Spring 2022. Residential apartments are currently available for lease.

More information the Historic Lewis Hotel is available at 712-469-4033 or by email at inquires@zoulproperties.com.