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Whaler's Inn returning historical vision of Mystic
MYSTIC - The Whaler's Inn is attempting to bring some history back to Mystic with its current construction project.
According to innkeeper Richard Prisby, as well as the engineer of the project, John Crees of Upland Construction in Westerly the place where Café Bravo once had its patio will be home to a replica of the former Hoxie House. The building burned down in January 2, 1975 and was one of the first hotels in Mystic, according to the owner of the property, Paul Connor. The project was five years in the making, Connor said. He and his partner, John McGee, were waiting for Bravo's 10-year lease to run out so they could obtain the property. After several years of planning and seeking approvals, they are near the final stages or reaching their goal.
"It's very, very important to bring history back. It enhances the charm of Mystic," Connor said. "We're putting back the original building that was there on the corner," Prisby said.
"We are trying to duplicate the look of the original building that burnt down," Upland's Crees said.
Nina Peck, the architect for the project, of Nina Cuccio Peck Architecture & Interiors in Old Lyme, said, "It's not really a restoration, it's more capturing the imagery of the building."
The building will house a retail space in its lower level, according to Prisby. Northern Light Gems would move from its current location to the space. The second and third floors would be eight additional hotel rooms for Whaler's Inn. They would be complete with water views, fireplaces and Jacuzzis.
As for Bravo Bravo, the only change to their business will be the loss of Café Bravo. "Bravo Bravo will still be a four star indoor restaurant," Prisby said.
Crees said although an actual schedule has yet to be drawn up on the project, a tentative schedule slates the completion of the building, the dimensions of which measure 36 by 63 feet, for mid-March. He also said the project would not affect the impending drawbridge repair or traffic in general. "We coordinated with the bridge. We will not be working on the public streets," he said.
The new hotel will not only boost business for the Inn; it will enhance the already hearty appeal of Mystic. "It's actually a big project for Mystic. It'll spruce up this area," Crees said.
The Hoxie House has a long history in the area. It was originally built by Benjamin Franklin Hoxie, a wealthy merchant, just prior to the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. It was built to replace the Mystic Bridge Hotel, which had burned in another fire on September 22, 1858. The Mystic Bridge Hotel was erected in 1819 after the first bridge was constructed. The proprietors of the establishment were Nathaniel Clift and Ebenezer Denison. The property is thought to have been acquired by George Denison, who passed it on to his descendants.
In November 1858, Hoxie bought the property from Hiram Clift, one of Nathaniel's 10 children. He intended to make Mystic a popular summertime resort area. His business partners were Joseph O. Cottrell and Charles Mallory. He also helped build the still standing B. F. Hoxie Fire Engine Co. in 1875.
While building and furnishing the hotel, Hoxie spared no expense. The second story of the building had a long balcony with elaborate iron grillwork. An ornate cupola topped the third floor, offering guests breathtaking views of the countryside and the sea. Much like its present incarnation, shops and offices filled the first floor while guests' rooms occupied the second and third levels. About $6,000 was spent on modern yet elegant furniture and other interior decorations to help attract the summer visitors. When the Hoxie House opened in May of 1861, the region was embroiled in the Union war effort. A few regular boarders and a stream of transient businessmen supported the hotel.
After the war's end, the post-war economy was dismal and still not conducive to the throngs of summer vacationers Hoxie had envisioned. Traveling businessmen were his primary clientele. In May, 1870, the local paper reported the establishment served alcohol, much to the displeasure of residents. It overcame its reputation under the management of Ira Hoxie, Benjamin's son, and became a popular place for social events.
After Hoxie's death, the hotel passed out of the family and gradually lost its elegance, displaying almost none of its original promise. One aspiration of Hoxie's was realized. Mystic became a popular place for tourists to flock to. Soon, they will have a new Hoxie House in which to stay.
By Melissa Hewlitt, Mystic River Press |
