Historic Colfax Hotel

Perched on the corner of Railroad Street in the heart of Colfax, California, the Old Colfax Hotel—originally known as the Gillen Hotel—stands as a silent sentinel to the town’s rich and storied past. Constructed in 1903 by Daniel Gillen, a former Southern Pacific Railroad conductor, the hotel was strategically built to serve the influx of rail travelers and other visitors during the height of Colfax’s prominence as a key stop along the Central Pacific Railroad. With 56 rooms and an on-site restaurant, the Gillen Hotel quickly became a bustling hub of activity, catering to weary travelers seeking comfort and respite, many at what would become known as the Colfax historic hotel.

A Reflection of Colfax’s Golden Age

During its heyday, the Gillen Hotel was more than just a place to rest; it was a social and cultural center for the town. Its elegant architecture, adorned with wooden balconies and intricate details, symbolized the prosperity Colfax enjoyed during this period. The hotel’s prime location, just steps away from the railroad depot, made it a favorite among railroad workers, miners, and even prominent figures traveling through the Sierra Nevada foothills. Notably, for its grand opening in 1903, San Francisco dignitaries arrived by special train to tour the establishment, highlighting its significance in the Colfax historic Hotel’s region.

Decline and Change in the 20th Century

As the 20th century progressed, Colfax experienced a shift. With the decline of the railroad as the primary means of transportation and the rise of automobile travel, the town’s fortunes began to change. The once-thriving hotel saw fewer guests, and by the mid-1900s, it struggled to maintain its former glory. Ownership changed hands several times, with each new proprietor attempting to revive the hotel’s charm and success. Despite these efforts, the rise of motels and modern accommodations made it difficult for the Old Colfax Hotel to compete. By the 1970s, even the historic Hotel in Colfax was largely vacant, serving various short-lived purposes, including attempts at commercial ventures and residential uses. Over time, the building’s condition deteriorated, and it became a shadow of its former self.

The Hotel Today: A Vacant Reminder of the Past

Today, the Old Colfax Hotel stands vacant, its windows boarded up, its walls weathered by time. Though it no longer hosts travelers or social events, its presence looms large in the Colfax historic landscape. Many residents and visitors walk by it with curiosity, wondering what stories the old building holds. Despite its current state, there is hope among locals that one day, the building might be restored to its former grandeur.

Colfax Hotel Restoration Efforts and Future Plans

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving the hotel as part of Colfax’s historical identity. Efforts to restore and repurpose the building have been discussed, with the hope of turning it into a space that could once again serve the community. A conceptual proposal has been submitted to restore and renovate the historic Colfax Hotel to include restaurant/retail space, eight hotel rooms, and eight multi-family units for both long-term and short-term occupancy. The first phase of the hotel renovation has been completed, and the community has celebrated milestones in its restoration journey, particularly those involving Colfax historic Hotel’s revival.

A Legacy of Colfax’s Resilience

The story of the Old Colfax Hotel is not just about a building; it’s about the history of a town that has weathered change and adapted over time. The hotel stands as a reminder of the role Colfax played during the railroad boom and the people who passed through its doors. While the building may be vacant now, its history, especially as a Colfax historic Hotel, is still alive in the hearts of longtime residents who remember its glory days and envision its potential for the future.

As Colfax continues to evolve, the Old Colfax Hotel remains a symbol of the town’s resilience and connection to its past. Though its halls are empty and its rooms silent, the spirit of the hotel endures, waiting for the day when it may have a historic Colfax role once again in the town’s future.