William Tell Building

William Tell Building
Preserving Neighborhood Character Award

Address: 2327 Second Avenue
Project Team: Gibraltar, LLC, City Hostel, LLC, Boxwood Architects

William Tell Building before renovation / Photo: Gibraltar, LLC

Built in 1924 and designed by architect J. Lister Holmes, the William Tell is a Spanish Revival style, 51-unit hotel building (originally the Hotel Lorraine) located on Second Avenue near Battery Street in Belltown. The William Tell was originally built to provide hotel and apartment housing to the MGM studio that was operating in an adjacent building. Situated on what was once Seattle’s “Film Row,” the building features an impressive Spanish-style facade with its original and fully intact terra cotta ornament, architectural detailing, and tile roof.

 

 

William Tell Building after renovation / Photo: Eugenia Woo

Designated as a Seattle landmark in 2009, the William Tell has undergone extensive updating of building systems including electrical, plumbing, heating, and new windows. The front façade retains its original windows. Cosmetic improvements were also made, transforming the interior into a pleasant place to stay. The building has been renovated to operate more efficiently as a European style hostel, operated by City Hostel, LLC, catering to travelers looking for affordable accommodations in Seattle.

The project team that renovated the William Tell Building was awarded the 2010 Preserving Neighborhood Character award for bringing an architectural gem back to life in a neighborhood that has seen tremendous change in recent decades.