The Landmark Hotel, a fixture of downtown Hutchinson for more than a century, is undergoing major renovations that will turn this historic structure into 36 modern apartments. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Laura Meyer-Dick, aims to preserve the hotel’s historical charm while providing much-needed housing in the heart of Hutchinson.
A Rich History Revived
The Landmark Hotel, originally known as the Stamey Hotel, has a storied past that dates back to 1923. “Construction was started in 1922, and it opened in 1923,” shares Laura. “It was a hotel and lots of famous people have stayed there. We even have a copy of a letter from President Truman to his wife on Stamey stationary.”
The building was once the place to stay in Hutchinson, a destination for travelers and notable figures alike. Over the years, the hotel underwent many changes, eventually becoming the Landmark Hotel before transitioning into Landmark Apartments. But with time, the building was eventually abandoned, and its future hung in the balance until Laura decided to step up and preserve this piece of history, while expanding available housing in Hutchinson.
Restoring the Past, Building for the Future
Laura’s vision for the Landmark’s restoration is driven not only by a desire to preserve its historical significance but also by a sense of community responsibility. “When my dad passed away in 2020, the CEO of First National Bank, where he had worked his entire life, they gave a nice donation to the Community Foundation in his honor,” she says. “And the CEO said, ‘Laura, you figure out how your dad would want to be honored.’ I could have done a piece of artwork or something. But dad didn't like to be recognized. So, I thought, that's not it.”Laura found out about the opportunity to purchase the Landmark, and after taking a tour with a realtor friend, the rest was history. "I walked in and I got a vision and I'm like, this could be really cool.”
The funding from the donation helped kickstart the project, with additional funding from state and federal historic tax credits, private equity, a grant from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation and ARPA funds from the City of Hutchinson.
The project originally planned for 40 apartments, but after careful consideration, it was decided to reduce the number to 36 to create larger, more comfortable living spaces, with 24 being designated as moderate-income housing. The renovations will not only restore the building’s historic character but also meet a critical need for affordable housing.
A Boost for Downtown Hutchinson
The renovation of the Landmark Hotel is expected to have a ripple effect on the surrounding area. Hutchinson’s downtown has already seen growth in recent years, and Laura hopes that the project will help spur even more development. “That’s one of my hopes for this project. It will hopefully drive traffic for the businesses downtown and spawn more new businesses,” she says.
City of Hutchinson Mayor Greg Fast shares this optimism, noting that the city has been incredibly supportive of the project. “Most of the feedback I’ve heard has been good,” Fast says. “People understand that part of the Star Bond project is to redevelop the bottom floor of the Landmark, and they see the benefit of having more places to live downtown, close to restaurants, a brewery, and other amenities.”
Indeed, the location is ideal—within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Fast believes the restoration will only accelerate the revitalization of downtown. “There’s been a lot of good things that have happened downtown, even without the Landmark getting refurbished,” he says. “But now that it's being restored, it's going to snowball the good things coming for downtown.”
Looking Ahead: Opening in 2026
The transformation of the Landmark Hotel into a modern apartment complex is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, with construction beginning in the spring of 2025. The project has already attracted considerable interest, with a waiting list soon to be established “We’ve already had some calls about when we’re going to be open,” said Laura.
For the people of Hutchinson, the restoration of the Landmark Hotel represents a bright future for the downtown area, blending the past with the present in a way that benefits both residents and businesses alike.
As Laura looks ahead, she’s excited about the impact the project will have on the community. “The City of Hutchinson has been amazing,” she says. “Their full support has been great, and we’re looking forward to the positive change this renovation will bring to downtown.”