There has been no consideration of demolishing the Athenaeum Hotel nor are there any architectural drawings for such.

The Institution hosted a gathering of state and regional historic preservation professionals for a luncheon meeting in the spring of 2024 to share the master plan for the Athenaeum Hotel and to seek their input on the plans.

We will be scheduling a webinar for the community where staff will share these plans and answer questions. Look for the Webinar registration in the next Chautauqua Community Newsletter on March 26, 2025. (All editions of the newsletter are available at the Chautauqua Community Portal).

The following description of the vision for the Athenaeum Hotel is available on the website: Boundless: A Campaign for Chautauqua

Rehabilitating a Priceless Gem

Constructed in 1881, the Athenaeum Hotel is perhaps the most recognizable of the Institution’s iconic buildings. Currently the last operating 19th Century hotel on Chautauqua Lake, the Athenaeum stands as a window into the Institution’s storied history. Countless visitors have passed through its lobby as first-time and returning guests, enjoying its beauty and proximity to all the activities Chautauqua has to offer. While the Athenaeum has served past generations well, the Hotel no longer provides the experience 21st century visitors expect.

The Challenges

1. Lack of weatherization not only inhibits year-round operational capabilities and potential revenue streams, but threatens the long-term maintenance of the building’s structure.
2. The outdated state of its overnight accommodations fails to meet the needs of today’s travelers or match the quality of programming outside the hotel’s walls.
3. Cosmetic wear-and-tear of public spaces betrays the innate grandeur of the beautiful structure and diminishes the guest experience, whether one visits for a week, a day or an afternoon.

Our Plan

1. Weatherize the Athenaeum, from HVAC installation to window adjustments, to extend its annual operating timeframe, welcome patrons to the grounds beyond the traditional summer season and promote long-term financial sustainability.
2. Update guest rooms to deliver an elevated overnight experience that both honors the hotel’s legacy and meets the needs of today’s travelers.
3. Introduce new furniture and finishes to public spaces, including Heirloom Restaurant, the Parlor and Lobby Lounge, providing a superior experience in a more appealing setting.
4. Upgrade back-of-house facilities to ensure a better, safer working experience to our employees, and deliver a stronger customer service experience to our patrons.

The Impact

The Athenaeum, with its iconic appearance and community spaces, has the potential to deliver a first-rate guest experience and serve as a significant source of income for the Institution, if its operating season were extended and its interior renovated. The Hotel has become a popular destination for spring and fall weddings, as well as pre-season visits with the Chautauqua Writers’ Festival and spring and fall Road Scholar programs, proving that the desire for tourism and programming on Chautauqua’s grounds extends beyond the Summer Assembly.

Even so, the Summer Assembly is the most critical time for tourism at Chautauqua. The Athenaeum’s visitors enjoy the convenience of on-grounds dining, its proximity to the Amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy, and the sweeping views of Chautauqua Lake. By elevating the cosmetic appearance of these public facilities, and channeling resources into overnight accommodations, the Athenaeum will become an increasingly desirable destination.

In rehabilitating the Athenaeum Hotel, great care will be taken to retain beloved elements, while adapting the facility to meet 21st century needs and ways of working. Strategic investment into the Hotel’s spaces and operating integrity will only elevate the Athenaeum to its rightful level of dignity and breathe new life into the guest experience.

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