Modern elegance, East Texas hospitality and Old World charm welcome visitors at this superb Historic hotel in Palestine Texas.
The Redlands Hotel in Palestine Texas!
Today we visit with the incredibly talented owner and interior designer Jean Mollard.
Welcome!
If you are looking for a beautiful and unique place to stay in East Texas then you have come to the right place. Whether you are traveling with family or out for a romantic weekend getaway you will not be disappointed.
Today I have the absolute pleasure to introduce you to the owner of this fine establishment herself, Jean Mollard, who will talk to us about everything The Redlands Historic Hotel has to offer.
Wellcome To:
The Redlands Hotel in Palestine Texas!
The History and Character of The Redlands Hotel
Jean, it is such a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you so much for doing this, especially knowing how busy you are. I LOVED my visit to The Redlands, in large part due to the comfort and many amenities, but most importantly because it has quite the incredible story. Tell us about the History of the hotel and its significance for the community.
The Redlands Hotel was built with the confidence of a new century in 1915, but fell into a rocky patch about 1918 due to WWI. In 1919, it was rescued to become the home office for a national railroad, International & Great Northern Railway. As the major employer, it was linked to the livelihood and future of the citizens of Palestine.
The Redlands Hotel 1914 Original Drawing
As a national office from 1919 to 1955, the building became home to the railroad and the source of the income. Even today, railroad jobs are important to the city. The quality of the steel and concrete building allowed it to be useful for all those years and to stand up to the 20 years of neglect when the office moved in 1955.
In 2018 The Redlands received a first place award from the Texas Downtown Association President's Award Program in the best renovation, restoration and rehabilitation category. I know that this has been a labor of love and the restoration efforts have been going on for years and continue as we speak. That said, what did this recognition mean for you and what did it take to earn?
The Redlands Hotel Outdoors
Yes, it is a labor of love, we respect the quality of construction, the design of the exterior and the woodwork that remained in the lobby, doors and foyer areas. This award was for section of the original lobby.
The Redlands Hotel Loby
The woodwork as it was built in 1914-15 was not easy to replicate in the areas which were missing or damaged and the wood trim was a size we don't have today. The designs on the trim, window and door frames and moldings had to be cut with custom knives.
The Redlands Hotel Loby
Each window has as many as 8 strips of molding stacked to replicate the thickness and shape of the original. We made accommodations for modern day wiring and air conditioning. This portion of our lobby took about 6 months. We look at the building with "architectural archeology" in mind, and finding bits of the past in the exposed plaster, brick or wood, which tell us the paint colors of 1914 along with the style of woods.
Sun rays filtering through the gorgeous stained-glass skylight.
A historic hotel that proudly not only preserves and protects, but also displays its history is certainly something to be treasured. Tell us a little bit about the historic exhibit on the second floor.
Gorgeous View During Dinner
The second floor is for reading everything on the wall (sometimes its the floor for the ones who can't sleep). We have historic magazines showing railroad history and a showcase of railroad historical pieces such as railroad lamps, tools and guidebooks. This is the floor the sunlight filters down through the skylight showing off its stained glass.
The Decor at The Redlands Hotel
Looking around the hotel one cannot help, but notice the interior decor. From handpicked furniture pieces in every room to fixtures and little touches throughout. It seems like most, if not all, items have a meaning and a story. This is one of the many things that make a stay at The Redlands a unique experience compared to typical hotels. The personal touch, the themed rooms, the antique and beautifully preserved items. What was your motivation behind using this personalized decor style?
I wanted to share tidbits of the past in each suite even though they are not from the "birth" period of 1915 of the hotel.. Mixing them up in a "quilt" of interesting pieces, each of which stands on its own, is acceptable to me.
Lobby Decor
Guests today love to look at some historical pieces, but don't necessarily want to sleep on an 1915 twin size authentic bed or sit on a sofa from the time of the building.
The Redlands 1918 Menu
One of our most popular pieces is the telephone switchboard sitting in the lobby on the second floor. It's so much fun to listen to parents explaining it to their children who can't comprehend a rotary dial.
You do have extensive experience in the antique business as well. Would you share some of your story with us and where does the love for preserving the past come from?
My personal interest in history began with an antique business in 1975. Each piece of furniture, newspaper, clothing has its story. I researched everything I found and placed it it in its chronological place. I found that I loved and respected the period of time from Victorian 1880s to 1920s.
This broad period of time (50 years) encompassed media that shared newspapers and magazines nationwide. Everyday machinery, electricity, beginning of automobiles, peak of trains, mechanized fabric production, etc. I appreciate the styles of any decade as it relates to its time in history.
My antique business of reselling household pieces to individuals morphed in 1979 to a wholesale business of building around industrial artifacts lasting through to 2019.
What are some of your favorite pieces in the hotel and what are their stories?
The lovely wardrobe door being used in suite 303 as a headboard was once an important wardrobe from a hotel in Jefferson which I bought in 1980's... I just could not part with it.
When we were placing appropriate furnishings in the lobby, we felt there was a need for a clock. This repeater clock from International Time Recording Company was a similar period to the building. We felt it just belonged in that spot. These kind of clocks were commonly located in public spaces of the day.
The cage style elevator in the lobby is a reminder of technology past. This was the first elevator in the building in 1914 .. today's guests would not be happy with cage walls that are open, but the artwork of the cage and the possible chandelier that hung there is appealing. Comparing the high tech items of 1914 with today always astounds our guests.
There is a beautiful glass ball shaped chandelier in our lobby which once hung in the atrium entrance. The glass is almost 1/2 thick and the solid brass chain gives it a sturdy appearance like the solid design of the building. There are two pieces dating back to the railroad office days of 1920's .. a desk we use every day in our office and a pendulum oak wall clock now hanging in our lobby. These two remind me of the people who once worked at that desk and those who watched that clock.
Stories of time ...
The Stay at The Redlands Historic Hotel
One of my favorite things about the Redlands Hotel are the suites, each uniquely decorated and equiped with a kitchen and private bathroom. We were fortunate to reserve the lovely Suite 303 aka The Red Room, as well as Suite 209 with the balcony. Both were fantastic and we can't wait to come back and check out the rest. What are some of your most requested rooms and why?
Our most requested Suite is 209 for the balcony and king bed.
Another favorite is Suite 301 for its walls of windows and door directly to the courtyard. Suite 405 is quite popular as well, for its panoramic windows on three sides (situated at end of corridor).
It is fantastic that you offer an incredible dining experience on-site at The Queen St Grille. Other than lunch and dinner for guests, I noticed that you use the space for events as well. What kind of events do you host? I also had the pleasure of going behind the scenes for a tour of the kitchen and was impressed by the chef and young cooks. Could you share something about them?
The Queen St Grill Restaurant at the Redlands
Our meeting room and dining are the locations for many happy occasions such as anniversary and birthday parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners, bunco clubs, business meetings and family reunions.
The Queen St Grill Restaurant at the Redlands
Our Chef, Joe Massa has been here about a year and he specializes in seafood.
Chef Joe Massa & Dylan Hogan creating art in the kitchen
The young man you met, Dylan Hogan, started working part time and now wants to be in the restaurant business as his career. The others are names Nick and Zaq Hogan, relatives who work well together in the restaurant business for years. They all relish in making "from scratch" all the foods and sauces.
Dylan Hogan at The Queen St. Grill's Kitchen
Guests would be delighted to know that you have a gallery on site with a resident artist, but there is so much art even outside the gallery. I understand that some of the pieces are rare, others created by local artists. Would you share the name of the artist whose work hangs in the restaurant? What does it mean to you and the community displaying local artists in the hotel? What are some other pieces of significance?
The works in the restaurant are by William E Young showing a whimsical side of Palestine. I feel art is the expression of the senses from one person to others. Recently we had a showing of a local persons collection which included many local artists who are no longer working and there was much talk about them... so it does matter.
The glass train picture which hangs over a door between the restaurant and bar captures lots of talk as it is illuminated by the evening sun (its almost 70 years old.). Not exactly art, but gallery feeling are the hallways on the second, third and fourth floor with historical photos and train memoriabilia.
Amenities and Attractions
What amenities do you offer? I know there is the restaurant, bar, lounge, art gallery, boutique, and terraces. What would you like to add?
The Boutique at The Redlands Hotel
The bar with the restaurant is a lovely stop starting at 4 pm. There are small meeting gatherings in the side room off the bar. Stopping in for a quick one before dinner changing for dinner.
The Redlands Hotel Bar
We have several businesses like the Masseuse with a shop in the basement, the hair stylist bringing top shelf hair products and service and a music business who will teach you to write songs or play instruments. There is truly a sense of culture with all senses stimulated.
There is so much to see and do in Palestine, TX making it a great weekend getaway or a retreat. What are the best local attractions that your guests would not want to miss?
Palestine Texas Wall Mural
One of the best places to visit The Railroad Experience with the model train railroad . The museum materials and knowledge of the volunteers who operate it is fascinating.
The Texas State Railroad for a train excursion. A must see is also The Main Street District for shopping and dining. From the Visitor Center to the Courthouse there are 44 business and store fronts.
Palestine Texas Historic District
Eillenberger Bakery, OxBow Bakery, Texas Theater, Pint & Barrel Pub, Dickens Jewelry, Courthouse. Three residential Historic Districts for driving.
Wrapping up, could you tell us in your opinion what makes The Redlands Hotel in Palestine Texas special? What do you hope your guests remember most about the hotel and their experience staying there?
1930s Redlands photo
The Redlands is truly unique and special because so much of the architecture is preserved inside and out. Guests can see and learn about the style of work from the period of the early 1900s. They can also have a modern experience with the suites or the restaurant, while enjoying the ambiance of the past.
During the prom time for our high schools here, the young students use our building as a backdrop for their elegant attire... we are so proud because those photos will be with them forever and this building will always be remembered. Who would have thought they would want it to be their memory? We know this will be remembered far more than a standard hotel for all of our guests.
Final Thoughts
Image Copyright and Courtesy of theredlandshotel.com
Jean, it has been such a pleasure chating with you. Is there anything else you would like to add? A favorite quote about the hotel perhaps?
This hotel is my family's dream ... at first it was an inexpensive way to have useful space, but turned into the labor of love as we began to see its potential as a beautiful historic building.
A speaker at the opening celebration in 1915 noted: "This enduring pile of steel and stone stands today as it promises to stand a century hence as a work of art and as a structure eminently adapted for its purpose". In 2015 .. we repeated that phrase for its second hundred.
The Architects were Henry T Phelps and James F Brook . The Redlands Hotel was built by the Palestine Hotel Company, a private business with about 100 stockholders to fill the need for hotel space for the railroad traffic. It was built with much excitement as the most modern of its day with running water and electricity.
The Redlands was an imposing design against the one and two two story late 1900 downtown structures.
"This enduring pile of steel and stone stands today as it promises to stand a century hence as a work of art and as a structure eminently adapted for its purpose."
A Speaker at the Opening Ceremony for The Redlands Hotel
1915
About Jean
Jean Mollard
Mary Jean Mollard is the owner of the The Redlands Hotel in Palestine Texas. She is very passionate about tourism in Palestine TX, restoration of old buildings, antiques and advocating for young business owners.
Jean served as Main Street Advisory Board Chair working to make Main Street Palestine successful and beneficial to business owners as well as the community. Her support for the local business owners and artists is evident in The Redlands Hotel, where work from local artists is proudly displayed.
She is an inredible hostess, who welcomes visitors to The Redlands, as she would welcome family. Jean is always there to help as needs arise or answer any questions about the history of the hotel or Palestine, TX. Both her and her husband Mike will make your visit unforgetable, so head out to East Texas for a stay at this unique and truly one of a kind historic property.
"Her successful style of business marketing was to appeal to the six senses instead of the standard approach of bottom line management. Her Redlands Building is an example of the sixth sense approach by offering extended stay apartments to business travelers with a touch of history, community spirit and the amenities of today."
Cheril Vernon - Palestine Herald Press, Oct. 2012
The Redlands Hotel Useful Links:
- Visit The Redlands Hotel Website The Redlands Hotel
- For Booking Call directly at 800-550-5445 or find more info Here
- Learn more about fine dining at the property at Queen St Grill site
- For your next meeting, retreat or event check out the beautiful Meeting Room
- Read about The History of the Redlands Hotel
- See the many attractions and activities Palestine Texas has to offer
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