The Colonial Hotel at 11th and Spruce is not to be confused with Rapunzel’s castle,though it once looked like it was wearing a witch’s hat. The exact date when this photograph was taken is unknown, but we do know that it was before 1922 – the year that it was donated to the Free Library. Since this picture was taken, some major exterior changes have taken place. For example you might notice the elimination of fire escapes, the removing what may have been a rooftop terrace at the time (too bad) and chopping off entire top floor along with the tower. Maintaining the off-color stone entranceway, however, was a nice move to make this building ‘pop’. The building across the street mimics this construction’s tower-look, but takes a more modern approach.

Hats off, Colonial!

Check the modern tower motif

— Alex Graziano