The Columbia Hotel History
Transport yourself to the past at one of Oregon's oldest hotels – The Columbia Hotel in Ashland. Established in 1910, The Columbia Hotel beckons with timeless elegance and modern comforts. Our rooms boast original old-growth Doug Fir floors, sourced and milled locally, and authentic cast-iron radiators crafted for the New York railways in 1880.
Infused with old-town charm and contemporary artistic flair, we proudly carry on the tradition of hospitality, ensuring our guests experience the perfect blend of heritage and luxury.
Originally one of the largest buildings between Portland and San Francisco, our hotel is steeped in history.
1 July 1910
Construction starts on the Enders Building on Main Street, Ashland on lots previously owned by E.K. Anderson and the University of California. Designed by architect Frank Chamberlain Clark the building costs $35,000 to build, paid fully by H.G. Enders, a prominent Ashland developer and owner of Enders Mercantile in downtown Ashland.
12 December, 1910
The Columbia Hotel opens in the Enders Building, with Ashland Tidings calling it "the largest structure of its kind in Southern Oregon.” Ashland Tidings mentions rooms that are “conveniently arranged so as to be used either singly or en suite, and are equipped with every device which adds to comfort and convenience.”
2nd January 1911
The Columbia Hotel Ashland advertises in the Ashland Tidings; “Nearly 30 furnished rooms available equipped with every convenience.” With spacious halls and lobbies, The Columbia Hotel also featured hot and cold water, baths and all equipment for “comfort and convenience” of the time. Mrs Knoblarch, who was said to give personal attention to the comfort of her guests, is the first of many woman owners and operators of The Columbia Hotel.
The Columbia Hotel is listed in the POLK’s Jackson County Directory in 1912 under Hotels and names another woman, Mrs E.G. Hadley as the “Proprietress” Business Owner of the Hotel, where guests at the time included Blanche Davenport, a Domestic Science Teacher at the Public School, Thomas McInerney , a local Fireman and David C Agler a Conductor at SP Co.
7th December 1910
The Enders Building opens with the Enders Mercantile clothing store moving in to occupy the ground floor, home to the first shopping mall in Oregon, designed to link all retail stores and keep shoppers out of bad weather.
1912
Lobby of Columbia Hotel in Ashland, Oregon Abt 1915 Enhanced & Colorized Courtesy of Mike Shilling1916
Russel D Riley acquires operation of The Columbia Hotel in 1916 after living as a long time tenant from early 1914. At this time The Columbia Hotel is one of six hotels in the bustling town of Ashland, Oregon.
Those other hotels include;
Ashland Hotel, at 50 N Main
Austin Hotel, Cor Oak and E Main
Depot Hotel
Park Hotel, at 35 1st
Savoy Hotel, at 72 N Main
Sadly from either fire or new construction these hotels are no longer in operation, but The Columbia Hotel continues to operate making it one of the longest operating hotels in Oregon.