Elgin now a bed and breakfast, too
Elgin Apartments is expanding its services by offering bed-and-breakfast suites.
Owners Jim and Jackie Strawn, Hutchinson, opened a suite Sunday for tours.
An apartment on the ground floor has been converted to a suite with bedroom, living room, and kitchenette. A television is provided.
Comfortable and elegant furniture, a mix of new and antique, fill the suite.
"The tall ceilings, big windows, and the history of the place is what we're focusing on," Jim Strawn said. "And it's extremely private, with private bath and separate entrance."
Three more first-floor units will be converted to bed-and-breakfast suites as they become available. Nightly, weekend, extended-stay, and corporate rates will be established.
Built in 1886, the Elgin Hotel was a Kansas showcase. It fell into disrepair in the mid-20th Century, but was restored as an apartment complex in the 1970s.
The Strawns bought the Elgin in 1999. Their company, Strawn Contracting, specializes in restoring old properties.
"There are a lot of nice people here," Jim Strawn said. "The people and the chamber and the city have really gone out of their way to provide assistance and make us feel welcome."
The company has done a great deal of interior renovations. Most of the 21 apartments have new carpet, paint, and other improvements. The hallways are freshly painted and carpeted, as is the laundry room.
Landscaping was recently completed, including an underground sprinkler system, flowers, and shrubs. Old plantings were removed, as was the cracked and buckled sidewalk.
The wide awning, which covers two sides of the structure, has been re-roofed, and the rest of the awning now will be repaired and painted. The overall exterior and windowsills also will be cleaned and painted.
Two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and studio apartments are available.
About 13 units are currently rented. A few tenants who drew complaints are gone, they said, which should ease concerns about noise and safety.
Some upstairs apartments may be converted to "camper suites." They will be simply furnished and designed for visiting hunters or boaters who want to be outdoors during the day but have a comfortable place to sleep, Jackie Strawn said.
"We'll be here more often because now we have a place to stay," she said with a laugh.
Those wanting more information can call 382-3661. The chamber of commerce office, located in a first-floor suite, also is open to those who want to see an example of some of the improvements.
