Flagstaff's Historic Weatherford Hotel Saved from Demolition

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In the mid-1970s, the iconic Weatherford Hotel in downtown Flagstaff was slated for demolition. But a young man named Henry Taylor, inspired by the building's history and literary significance, stepped in to purchase and restore the property, igniting a downtown historic preservation movement. Over the next 50 years, Henry and his family poured their passion and resources into reviving the Weatherford, overcoming challenges like the Savings and Loan Crisis, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve this Arizona landmark.

Why it matters

The Weatherford Hotel is not just a historic building, but a beloved community institution that has played a central role in Flagstaff's cultural and economic life for over a century. Its restoration by the Taylor family helped spark a broader downtown revitalization effort, demonstrating the power of historic preservation to breathe new life into a city's core. The Weatherford's survival also highlights the importance of passionate stewardship in safeguarding a community's architectural and cultural heritage.

The details

In 1975, Henry Taylor, who had read about the Weatherford in Zane Grey's novel "The Call of the Canyon," purchased the hotel along with his brother Lloyd to save it from demolition. Despite having no formal hotel experience and limited finances, the Taylors embarked on an extensive restoration project, gradually reviving the building's original Victorian-era grandeur. Their early efforts, including opening a pastry shop, live music venue, and youth hostel, helped bring people back to downtown Flagstaff. Over the decades, the Taylors continued investing in the Weatherford, restoring the iconic wraparound balconies, adding the Zane Grey Ballroom, and upgrading critical infrastructure, all while navigating economic challenges like the Savings and Loan Crisis, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In the mid-1970s, the Weatherford Hotel was slated for demolition.
• In 1975, Henry and Lloyd Taylor purchased the hotel to save it from demolition.
• In the 1990s, major improvements were made to the hotel, including the restoration of the original wraparound balconies, the addition of the Zane Grey Ballroom, and the restoration of the rooftop cupola.
• In 2015, a major restructuring loan allowed for critical infrastructure upgrades to the hotel.
• In 2026, the Weatherford Hotel is approaching more than 50 years under the Taylors' stewardship.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Taylors plan to continue their restoration efforts, including the completion of the balcony restoration around the rest of the Weatherford Hotel building and the installation of a third-floor elevator. As they approach retirement, the family is also working to ensure a smooth transition of the Weatherford's stewardship to the next generation.