The Historic Rescue That Redefined Downtown Flagstaff
“I realized this was Flagstaff's most valuable historic building,” Taylor said. “Losing it would have been unconscionable.”
A shared passion for the past and vision for the future inspired Henry and Sam Taylor to restore the Weatherford Hotel
When the doors of the Weatherford Hotel opened on January 1, 1900, The Coconino Sun called the grand Victorian “elegant in every way.” More than a century later, it holds the distinction of being Arizona's longest-running hotel and one of Flagstaff's most beloved landmarks.
That legacy was almost lost in the mid-1970s, when the building was demolished. What saved it was a young man with a book, a vision and a deep respect for history.
Save the building, make a move
Henry Taylor came to Flagstaff in the 1970s while working for the state of Arizona in vocational rehabilitation. While looking for housing for disabled clients, he walked into the Weatherford and learned it was for sale — or destined to be torn down.
Taylor's connection to the building began in college, when he read The Call of the Canyon by Zane Grey. In the novel, the Weatherford appears as a gathering place for travelers and writers. “I realized this was Flagstaff's most valuable historic building,” Taylor said. “Losing it would have been unconscionable.”
In 1975, Henry and his brother, Lloyd, purchased the hotel from Babbitt Brothers Trading Company. The risk was significant. They had no formal hotel experience, limited finances and a massive, outdated building in need of repair. But they had grown up in a Route 66 hotel in Holbrook and understood both the challenges and cultural value of historic properties.
Top Achievements and Core Values
The Taylors' restoration efforts helped spark Flagstaff's downtown historic preservation movement. Early ventures—including a small pastry shop, live music at Charly's and a youth hostel—brought people back downtown and kept the building alive.
After Henry bought his brother, the restoration accelerated. A 1906 photo revealed the original wraparound balconies, which led to major improvements in the 1990s, including the Zane Gray Ballroom, roof dome and balcony restoration with support from the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office.
“Our core values have always been historic preservation and the Golden Rule,” said Sam “Pamela” Taylor. “Caring for history, caring for people.”
Shifts, challenges and stewardship
Downtown declined after the Flagstaff Mall opened in 1980, prompting the Taylors to open Charly's Pub in 1981 and revive the nightlife scene. Later challenges included the Savings and Loan Crisis, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed many of the hotels and restaurants.
Labor shortages, inflation and supply chain disruptions followed. “Coming out of the pandemic was really hard,” Sam said.
Looking forward
A large restructuring loan in 2015 allowed critical infrastructure upgrades, with plans still in place to complete the balcony restoration around the rest of the building and a third floor elevator.
As the Weatherford approaches more than 50 years under their stewardship, the Taylors recognize that retirement is complex for a business that is part hotel, part restaurant and part historic institution.
Nevertheless, optimism remains. “If you have a good crew, it makes all the difference,” Sam said.
Henry simply reflected, “We saved the building from demolition. We did a good job.” FBN
Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St.
Flagstaff, AZ. 86001, (928) 779-1919
Photo by Betsey Bruner: Henry Taylor and Sam “Pamela” Green Taylor have shared a vision and lifelong passion for restoring the historic Weatherford Hotel to its original grandeur.
