Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.

Historic Restoration: Rathbone Hotel Opens

Giving new life to historic buildings

Giving new life to historic buildings is an incredible privilege as structural engineers. Historic buildings are hallmarks that tell a community’s story from ages past.

This building, located in Montrose, CO, was constructed in 1909 by the Knights of Pythias and served as their meeting hall. It’s since housed a several local businesses, but in 2012 a fire damaged the building and it since fell into disrepair.

Knott Laboratory was engaged to assist the architect and contractor in bringing this building back to life. The new owners had a vision of a boutique hotel and parlor at this prominent downtown location.

When it comes to historic restoration, our design team takes an innovative approach. We begin by laser scanning the entire building, creating a digital twin. From there, drafters and engineers use these scans to create as-built drawings and add structure.

Image from inspection at project commencement

 

Laser scan of same room | Conducting truss measurements
Laser scan | Adding structure

Congratulations to owners Jason Raible and Clay Bales, and the city of Montrose, on the Grand Opening of the Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar. We thoroughly enjoyed this project and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a historic building begin a new chapter.

The Rathbone, now listed on the National Historic Register, has 18 rooms, a restaurant, and bar. Book a room or enjoy a cocktail on your next adventure in western Colorado!