Historic Lewis Hotel renovations completeOver two years and $2 million

After two and a half years and over $2 million, the renovation of the Lewis Hotel is finally complete. Property owner Zachary Zoul of Grand Island, Neb., announced to the Chronicle Times that all construction on the historic building project was completed earlier this month.

“I am absolutely, very pleased with the final product,” said Zoul. “It’s a very historic building, but we put in contemporary features within the apartments which makes them very comfortable and attractive, especially with the new baths, new kitchens and all of the new flooring.”

26 apartment units have been completed, and several are available to rent starting at $850 per month. Utilities are included and provide residents with water, electricity, heat, trash removal, air conditioning and WiFi.

All of the units were renovated from top to bottom with all new components, systems, and finishes, including kitchens, baths, flooring, windows, and appliances. Each bath features a large walk-in shower. The apartments range from small studio apartments to large one-bedroom apartments. The building offers laundry facilities and a common lounge area. There are even some furnished units available.

An ardent supporter of community development and an advocate for historic preservation, Zoul finds it noteworthy that his building “provides an opportunity for people to live downtown in a new residential setting that is in close proximity to entertainment, restaurants and shopping.” 

Zoul has continually expressed his appreciation for Cherokee and the community’s support for this project. He firmly believes that the Lewis will contribute to a vibrant downtown.

The Lewis is also home to The Cellar, an event, reception and meeting space available to rent located in the lower level. The space features television service, coffee maker, popcorn maker, service bar and a rear prep space for food and beverage. The ceiling is rough cedar and the floors are polished concrete. Other commercial spaces are available.

Zoul Properties LLC acquired the building in late 2021 and continued renovation work that had begun under a previous owner in 2019. The Lewis Hotel was constructed in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property originally had 20 apartments and commercial spaces. 

The project was estimated to exceed $1 million and would include renovations not only of the upper level apartments but also renovation and restoration of the 1st floor and lower level commercial spaces. This entailed the restoration of the street-side exterior elevations, including new historically correct windows, doors, and facades. Zoul also pledged that the interior grand lobby and foyer would be restored to its original configuration and design.

From the beginning, Zoul stated that his firm was 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. He told the Chronicle Times, “Historical design is almost like building new. They’re both pretty expensive now.”

Zoul Properties was awarded a $100,000 grant from IEDA’s community catalyst building remediation program, which aims to rehabilitate commercial buildings in small towns, and a $600,000 grant from IEDA’s downtown community revitalization program. 

More information about the Historic Lewis Hotel is available at their website, www.historiclewishotel.com/ call 712-469-4033 or email inquires@zoulproperties.com

HISTORY OF LEWIS HOTEL

The chronology of those purchasing the historic Cherokee Lewis Hotel is courtesy of John Snapp of the Cherokee Historical Preservation Commission researching the archives and former Daily Times newspaper accounts.

The downtown Cherokee landmark was recently purchased by Zoul Properties, LLC of Grand Island, Neb. Zachary Zoul plans on restoring the 3-story, 122 year-old building to its vintage glory, offering new commercial spaces and apartments for rent. Work has begun.

Former Lewis Hotel owners:

• 1898 – Hotel under construction by R. A. Lewis, New York native settling in Cherokee
• 1899 – Hotel opens
• 1909 – R. A. Lewis dies, several heirs inherit, including Dale Goldie
• 1915 – Dale Goldie buys out the other Lewis heirs
• 1916 – Hotel remodeled
• 1955 – Charles Lear buys the furnishings and leases the Hotel from the Goldie’s until circa 1966.
• 1966 – Lear sued by Mrs. Goldie to acquire payment for furnishings, etc.
• 1966 – Mrs. Goldie sells hotel after death of Dale Goldie to Gunnar Osterling and Darrell Bakker
• 1968 – Osterling sells his share to Sheffield Klein
• 1977 – Klein sells hotel to Small Business Administration
• 1978 – SBA sells hotel to Fred & Deta Gerbers and Mr. & Mrs Joseph Bakalyar
• 1982 – Bakalyars buy out Gerber’s share.
• 1984 – Hotel is closed
• 1988 – Cherokee County takes possession of the deed presumedly for back taxes
• 1997 – Lewis Apartment Partnership has possession (not sure exact date acquired)

Hotel purchased by Dennis Esch of Omaha, Neb. as Lewis Apartment Partnership, with rooms rented out and facility managed by local person. Building deteriorated, issues allegedly ignored by Esch, and no remedial work done as deteriorated roof leaked, south alley wall began failing, and mold issues surfaced within.

Lewis classified as “Nuisance” by the City and placed on Dangerous Building list in 2017. This ultimately prompted action as City faced with high demolition costs or finding new owner. Enter Frank Sawatzke and Dave Peters of Storm Lake in March 2018, who purchased the Lewis in a tax sale and used their own monies and a $90,000 CDBG grant from the City to repair and salve the building from demolition.

They then listed the building for sale and it was eventually purchased by Zoul for $420,000.