User:Ggribble/The Fairmount Hotel

The Fairmount Hotel
Originally opened in 1906, The Fairmount Hotel represents an unforgettable era in San Antonio's rich history, both in ambiance and architecture. Designed by noted architect, Leo M.J. Dielmann, in the Italiante Victorian style, The Fairmount echoes the period through details ranging from hard red brick and carved, frosty-toned limestone, to round archways and elaborate pediments with richly profiled mouldings - intricacies that capture turn of the century San Antonio. The Fairmount Hotel is an example of the type of commercial establishments that characterized the prosperity of turn of the century San Antonio. Its upper floors served as temporary quarters for quests until the Great Depression when it became more of a boarding house for permanent residents. The lower floor housed a variety of commercial and retail businesses throughout its life. Both parts of the building laid vacant from the 1960's until the 1980s, when the hotel was moved and restored to its original purpose. Designed by Leo M.J. Dielmann and built by noted contractor, J.P. Haynes, The Fairmount Hotel was typical of the buildings that once lined Commerce Street from downtown east to the Southern Pacific Depot (now Amtrak Station).

About the Architect
Leo M.J. Dielmann was born in San Antonio, Texas on August, 14, 1881. He attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, graduating in 1898. Afterward he traveled Europe studying architecture and engineering in Germany. Upon returning to San Antonio he practiced architecture and worked in general construction, serving several years as president of the Dielmann Construction Company.

Dielmann also served as the City of San Antonio's City Building Inspector from 1909 to 1912 and Alderman-at-Large from 1913 to 1914. Dielmann designed or contributed to many notable buildings around San Antonio. They include: The Army Post Chapel at Fort Sam Houston; the Science Hall, Conventual Chapel, and other buildings at Our Lady of the Lake University; Sacred Heart Church; the remodeling of the Mission San Juan Capistrano (Texas) and Mission de la Espada; the rectory at San Fernando Cathedral; the Pearl Brewery; the Joske's Bros. Store (later Dillard's); St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg, Texas; and the Tips Building and LaCoste National Bank.

Dielmann was an active civic leader in San Antonio. He was on the board to trustees if the San Antonio Public Library, president of Harmonia Lodge of the Sons of Hermann in Texas and belonged to the San Antonio Liederkranz, the Beethoven Mannechor, the Order of the Alhambra, and the St. Joseph's Society.

History
The Fairmount Hotel opened in 1906 and run by the Felix family until 1915.

Hotel On The Move
In 1984, the fate of The Fairmount Hotel was in debate, one option being the demolition of this nearly century old building to make room for new retail and lodging space; however, the city of San Antonio has long had strong ties to the past and therefore opted to move the entire structure to a new home next to La Villita National Historic District.

The 3-story brick hotel, which weighed 3.2 million pounds, was moved on 36 dollies with pneumatic tires and traveled over six city blocks and a bridge that later had to be reinforced. The move took place over March 30 - April 4, 1985 and cost $650,000. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1988.

The Guinness Book of World Records noted it as the largest structure ever moved on wheels. The hotel reopened on September 5, 1986 with an addition to the original structure creating the 37 accommodations it has today. It’s recent past includes ownership by B.K. Johnson of King Ranch and management by Patriot American Hospitality and Wyndham Grand Heritage Hotels. The Fairmount Hotel is now owned by Mr. Robert D. Tips, a local San Antonio businessman, who has brought The Fairmount back to its original Victorian elegance. --Ggribble (talk) 15:52, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

The Fairmount Today
Today The Fairmount Hotel has 37 rooms kept watch by Luke Tips, the Director of Pet Relations, and the hotel's Labrador. It is a four-star hotel and has been recently renovated and decorated in period antiques. All the rooms in The Fairmount are different and each has its own name. It is the only locally owned hotel in the San Antonio downtown area.--Ggribble (talk) 18:13, 15 August 2009 (UTC)The hotel is located at the intersection of South Alamo and Nueva Street directly across from Hemisfair Park, where HemisFair '68 was held, and in view of the Tower of the Americas.