Tuesday, September 3, 2024: Britt Music & Arts Festival is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the historic U.S. Hotel building, a landmark in downtown Jacksonville, Oregon. This significant purchase underscores Britt’s ongoing commitment to preserving local heritage while enhancing cultural and artistic experiences for the community.
The U.S. Hotel building, constructed in 1880, has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s rich history, representing the town’s vibrant past during the Gold Rush era. With its iconic architecture and deep-rooted local and historical significance, the U.S. Hotel has long been a symbol of the region’s pioneering spirit. At various points in its history, it has served as a museum, bank, and even a roller-skating rink. Now, under Britt’s stewardship, the building is set to embark on an exciting new chapter.
“We are honored to take on the responsibility of revitalizing the U.S. Hotel building,” said Abby McKee, President and CEO of Britt Music & Arts Festival. “Britt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to enrich lives through music and the arts while also contributing to the preservation of our local heritage. We envision the U.S. Hotel becoming a dynamic space where history, culture, community, and the arts converge.”
Board Chair Sarah Lynch said, “For over thirty years, Britt has sought to relocate its administrative offices to Jacksonville. As an organization steeped in our community’s history, and as a primary economic driver, we have long recognized the opportunity and responsibility we have to Jacksonville to be here year-round. We are delighted to have the keys, and we can’t wait to bring this long held dream to life.”
Britt purchased the U.S. Hotel with monies from its reserve fund, accumulated from small surpluses over many years. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Britt reinvests any surplus revenue back into the organization for public benefit, and has historically used such funds to maintain and upgrade the Britt Pavilion and park, which Britt leases from Jackson County. After many years of prudent financial management by the Board of Directors and administrative leaders, Britt was able to purchase the U.S. Hotel outright and begin an extensive renovation process.
Britt’s plans to retrofit and renovate the U.S. Hotel include creating a multi-functional community space that will serve as an extension of its existing programming. The building will host a variety of events, including intimate concerts, art exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational workshops. It will also house Britt’s administrative offices, Box Office, and a small retail shop. By blending history with modern cultural offerings, Britt aims to create a vibrant hub that resonates with both locals and visitors alike, honoring the history of the building while preserving it for generations to come. The construction project will include input from local historians, preservation experts, architects, and contractors to balance the character and charm of this treasured landmark while upgrading it to meet contemporary needs. The project will likely take a few years and will include a major capital campaign to fund the significant structural and seismic work needed to reinforce the building.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Bowen expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The U.S. Hotel is a vital part of our town’s heritage, and Britt’s acquisition ensures that it will continue to be a cherished landmark for future generations. This initiative will not only preserve a piece of our history but will also enhance Jacksonville’s status as a cultural destination.”
Britt Music & Arts Festival invites the community to join in celebrating this exciting development. Plans for the U.S. Hotel’s restoration and future use will be shared with the public in the coming months, along with opportunities for community input and involvement.