Built 1883;1888

William McKeon operated the Oriental Saloon on this site, at the corner of Oriental Alley, prior to 1883. That year, he commissioned architect John Teague to build the Oriental Hotel on the lot next door. Teague doubled the size of the hotel in 1888, adding this corner entrance and an imposing tower.

The hotel then had about 80 bedrooms, each with a fireplace and closets. On the ground floor were ladies’ and gentlemen’s dining saloons able to seat over 200 diners.

McKeon operated the hotel until 1903. Under different owners the hotel was later known as the St. Francis. Although the tower has been removed, the building remains one of the most significant structures in Old Town.

[Photo credit]

BCARS HP11814

Marker is on Yates Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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