Since 1998, the city’s Most Notable Property (MNP) Program has been highlighting and celebrating the historical significance of properties in Columbia, Missouri. The Program is managed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. In order to be considered for MNP recognition, a residential or commercial property must be at least 50 years old, within the city limits, and possess historical or architectural significance unique to Columbia.  To make a nomination or find more information about the MNP Program visit https://www.comopreservation.org/most-notable-property-program. Applications are due by the end of the year.

Built in 1902 this property was recognized as a Most Notable Property in 2004. As described at that time by local Historic Preservation Consultant, Deb Sheals, in the Most Notable Property archives:

“The Athens Hotel is the largest historic hotel in Downtown Columbia. The Romanesque Revival style brick and stone building occupies much of a city block near the Boone County Courthouse Square.  Brick piers divide the wide facade into smaller bays, each of which contains an open storefront at the ground floor and evenly spaced windows in the top two floors.  The window openings are accented with rock-faced limestone sills and lintels, and one bay is accented with a taller parapet wall and a massive limestone archway.  Historic Sanborn maps show that the hotel lobby was at the east end of the building; the arch no doubt served as the main hotel entranceway.

The Hotel Athens opened for business on August 3, 1902.  It was built for local businessman Henry H. Tandy.  The name was likely based upon Columbia's nickname, the "Athens of Missouri," after its status as the seat of the University of Missouri.  The Athens Hotel quickly became known for its Sunday dinner clientele, large dining rooms, and elegant interiors.  

Tandy sold the hotel in 1919, and the new owners renamed it the Columbian Hotel.  In 1940, it became the Ben Bolt Hotel and operated under that name until 1976, when the upper floors were converted to apartments and renamed the Wabash Apartments.  The upper floors still contain apartments.  The ground floor houses commercial and office space.”

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces is necessary for Columbia’s residents, students, and visitors to achieve a sense of place and also for our city’s continued economic success.

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Sources

Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission. “Most Notable Properties-What Does It Mean To Be A Most Notable Property?” City of Columbia Community Development, Columbia, MO. 

"Most Notable Properties Database." Prepared for Columbia, Missouri’s Historic Preservation Commission, by Historic Preservation Consultant Deb Sheals, https://www.como.gov/boards/historic-preservation-commission/most-notable-properties-program/. Accessed September 26, 2023.