NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Police kept Division Street blocked between Second and Third streets while structural exerts examined the remains of the Archer House hotel. Said Police Chief Mark Elliott. “If the building were to collapse, debris could spread and we don’t want anyone in harm’s way.” The question: How stable are the remains? The original section was built 143 years ago. Fire Chief Gerry Franek said that fighting the fire was complicated by layers of construction material added during remodeling projects. Franek said the fire spread inside walls and hidden spots that carried pipes and cables. It was hard to determine where the fire had gone, he said. Meanwhile, police worried for the safety of gawkers.
Backside damage. Facing the Cannon River.
Iconic landmark
The Archer House hotel opened on the east bank of the Cannon River in 1877 with 50 rooms. It was the project of veteran innkeper James Archer. Over the years came a series of ownership and name changes and additions. Dallas Haas purchased the building in 1981, which then was known as the Stewart Hotel. Other names had been the Ball Hotel and the Manawa Hotel. Haas invested heavily to revitalize the building and brought retail shops and restaurants into the space. After Haas died in 1995, an investor group purchase the hotel to continue Haas’ work. Projects included a $1 million revision in 2011. The group included Rebound Enterprises, whose chief executive Brett Reese, continues to head the parent.