Luther Hotel
© 2016 Larry D. Moore
The Luther Hotel is one of the few surviving Gulf Coast hotels built as part of extensive land development schemes throughout Texas in the early 20th century. The original, central portion of the hotel was designed by noted regional architect Jules C. Leffland, and constructed in 1903. The building was cut into three sections and moved half-a-mile to the oceanfront in 1905, and the existing east and west wings were added shortly thereafter. The hotel has been remodeled several times over the years, most notably between 1939 and 1941, when it received a 2-story pedimented portico supported by monumental classical columns. An 11-unit motor court motel was also added to the site to accommodate automobile tourists.
In September of 2022, the Luther went under contract to be sold to the Corpus Christi-based Ed Rachal Foundation with an agreement stating that the building would be demolished and a new hotel would be built on the property. After the Foundation’s plans were made known, a group of dedicated local advocates formed the Palacios Preservation Association.
UPDATE: September 2023 - The Ed Rachal Foundation’s contract to purchase the Luther Hotel has expired.
UPDATE: March 15, 2024 - The Luther Hotel is under contract to Palacios native Nick Herman. After almost a year and a half of uncertainty and the looming threat of demolition, the Luther Hotel has been saved thanks to the grassroots advocacy of the Palacios Preservation Association (PPA), along with the help of many dedicated volunteers, community allies, and a pro bono legal team. The Luther Hotel is safe from the wrecking ball and the PPA and its partners are faced with the remarkable opportunity to restore this historic hotel on the Matagorda Bayfront.
Learn More: How Two “Little Old Ladies” Saved the Most Endangered Building in Texas, Texas Monthly, 23 February 2024.
Nick Herman, representing SouthVest BDC, LLC, signed the contract to purchase the Luther Hotel from the Findley Estate on March 15, 2024. Nick has fought steadily to save the hotel since he first heard of the demolition plans. He is actively coordinating with donors, investors, developers, hotel operators and historic preservation experts to bring his vision to life. This vision includes preserving the building’s original charm while reintroducing features such as the ‘longest porch in Texas’. Additionally, plans are underway to incorporate a destination restaurant, a wedding venue, and a spa and pool, ensuring the Luther Hotel becomes a vibrant local landmark once again.
Preservation Texas is accepting donations to the Luther Hotel Fund as the fiscal sponsor for the PPA, whose goal is to raise $2 million toward rehabilitation expenses. Donations can be made online at preservationtexas.org/luther or checks may be made out to Preservation Texas with a memo Luther Hotel Fund and mailed to Preservation Texas, P.O. Box 3514, San Marcos, TX 78667.
