Lewis Ginter's Jefferson Hotel opened in Richmond, Virginia, in 1895 as a luxury hotel in the Spanish Baroque style. Planned by tobacco baron Lewis Ginter and designed in the Spanish Baroque style by Carrère and Hastings of New York City, the same architects who later designed the New York Public Library, its construction began in 1892 and it opened on October 31, 1895. The hotel’s interior was gutted by fire in 1901 and, after a lengthy restoration, it reopened in 1907.
You can feel the layers of history: it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. On site is Lemaire, a restaurant named for Etienne Lemaire, who served as maitre d'hotel to Thomas Jefferson from 1794 through the end of his presidency. Over the years the Jefferson has welcomed thirteen United States presidents, writers, and celebrities — patrons have included Henry James, Charles Lindbergh, The Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Anthony Hopkins.
Imagine the arrivals and the lengthy restoration as you study the Spanish Baroque detailing by Carrère and Hastings, the façade and doors that have opened for generations of visitors right before you.