Waldo Hotel


The Waldo Hotel in Clarksburg, West Virginia was built between 1901 and 1904 by real estate developer, U.S. Senator, Congressman, judge, lawyer, and Republican Party leader Nathan Goff, Jr. Built right across from his family home which is also still standing and currently used as a library called Waldomore, and named for his father, Waldo P. Goff. Clarksburg was experiencing a period of rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the booming coal industry. Goff Jr. saw the hotel as a way to attract new businesses and residents to the city, further solidifying its position as a regional hub. Goff Jr. was a man of considerable wealth and ambition. He envisioned the Waldo Hotel as a symbol of his own success and a testament to his family's legacy in Clarksburg. Clarksburg lacked a large, upscale hotel to accommodate its growing business traveler population and social events. The Waldo Hotel was designed to fill this gap and provide a luxurious venue for meetings, banquets, and other gatherings.

Design and Construction

The Waldo was designed by American Architect Harrison Albright, a seven-story brick and terra-cotta structure, rose in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1904. Construction, spearheaded by developer Nathan Goff Jr., began in 1902 and spanned over two years at a cost of over $400,000.
The Beaux-Arts style heavily influenced the hotel's design, evident in its symmetrical facade, prominent corner tower, and classical architectural elements. Red brick formed the building's core, while cream-colored terra-cotta accents provided decorative flourishes and window surrounds. Modern engineering techniques were employed, with a steel frame supporting the structure. The first floor housed a bank and shops, integrating the hotel into the city's commercial fabric. Once one of the state's most luxurious hotels and the social center of Clarksburg, the Waldo Hotel was a gathering place for parties, weddings, and civic meetings.

Interior Details

Stepping into the Waldo Hotel in 1904 was an experience in grandeur. The 60-foot-long lobby soared with 31-foot ceilings, its mosaic tile floor a mesmerizing tapestry under a cascading crystal chandelier. Ten marble columns, each accented with ivory and gold, stood guard, framing ornate plasterwork ceilings adorned with Beaux-Arts motifs. Mahogany reigned supreme at the reception desk, polished brass lamps glinting beside portraits of the city's elite. A crackling fireplace, its carved marble mantel a testament to artisanal skill, promised warmth and comfort.
Guest rooms offered a sanctuary of spaciousness, high ceilings echoing with intricate plaster moldings and floral flourishes. Large windows, draped in heavy velvet, framed views of the bustling city, while plush armchairs and sofas invited lingering conversations. Mahogany furniture, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, housed beds adorned with carved headboards and crisp linens, promising restful slumber.
Beyond the individual rooms, the Waldo unveiled further layers of its opulence. A grand ballroom, its oak parquet floor polished to a mirror-like shine, awaited the rhythm of dancing feet. A library, shelves groaning under the weight of leather-bound volumes, whispered tales of forgotten adventures. Private dining rooms, each adorned with unique flourishes, catered to intimate gatherings, while state-of-the-art amenities like electric lighting and an ice plant underscored the hotel's commitment to modernity and comfort.

History

Hotel Closing

In 1962, the Waldo Hotel's era of grandeur drew to a close as a hotel. Economic pressures and shifting travel patterns altered the landscape of Clarksburg, impacting the hotel's viability. The doors were subsequently closed. Over the years, it was still used for other businesses and residential up until at least the early 1990s.

Salem College

In 1964, Salem College, a recently accredited institution, embarked on a bold expansion by acquiring the historic Waldo Hotel in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This marked a significant step from its humble beginnings in the city, having previously operated out of a small donated building on West Pike Street since 1958. Seeking a larger and more versatile space, Salem College further bolstered its presence in Clarksburg over the next few years. In 1965, it secured the Carmichael Auditorium for athletic activities, and in 1966, it purchased the Carmichael and Mitchell Building on Sixth Street. The Mitchell Building was transformed into a dedicated science department, while the Carmichael Building's basement housed classrooms and its first floor was repurposed as a library. The Waldo Hotel's tenure as Salem College's Clarksburg hub was relatively short-lived. By December 1969, the college had ceased using the building and transitioned to its other acquired facilities.

The Waldo Today

Vandalia Heritage Foundation

The building is currently owned by the Vandalia Heritage Foundation a 501 Incorporated in 1998 in West Virginia. The Vandalia Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing communities and neighborhoods in West Virginia through historic preservation and redevelopment. They have restored several iconic landmarks in the state, including the 1901 Buxton & Landstreet Building, High Gate Carriage House, Wheeling’s Historic Neighborhoods, Grafton B&O Station, and The Peacock Building.

The City of Clarksburg considers demolition

The City of Clarksburg's position on the Waldo Hotel's future is complex, with valid concerns driving their perspective. They see the building's current state as a serious safety hazard, with potential for falling debris endangering pedestrians and nearby structures. The financial burden of ongoing maintenance and potential liability associated with a deteriorating landmark also weighs heavily in their decision-making process. Additionally, some within the city government believe that demolishing the Waldo could free up valuable land for revitalization projects, potentially boosting Clarksburg's economic prospects. While their position may seem drastic, it stems from a desire to prioritize safety, fiscal responsibility, and a vision for the city's future development. The main thing protecting the Waldo is the extremely high cost of demolition.