2001 Preservation Awards
Hotel Ruby Marie
Built in 1873, and located at the intersection of East Wilson, Blair, and Williamson streets (near the Essen Haus), this hotel was originally known as the East Madison House. Over the years its other names included the J. B. Dreives Hotel & Saloon, Elver House, and more recently the Wilson Hotel. The hotel is one of only two or three in Madison dating back to the 19th century. A major addition was completed in 1892, and the entire exterior rebuilt in 1897. These late 19th century modifications gave the building its current configuration, which includes a rounded Queen Anne corner tower.
The current owner, Bob Worm, hired restoration architect Jim Glueck to work on the hotel. Ten months and $2 million later, the building was restored. Updates included:
- Gutting the upper floor
- Repointing and cleaning the exterior brick
- Removing recently added partition walls
- Restoring wooden trim
- Installing new windows that replicated the original
In addition, the second- and third-story floors had sagged about 4 to 5 inches over the years. To reverse this, new beams were introduced. According to the architect, Jim Glueck, one of the major challenges was adding the necessary new mechanicals the hotel would require. For instance, the transition from a railroad to contemporary hotel required new bathrooms for each of the rooms, where there had only been one toilet per floor before.
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