Kockritz Hotel

The Kockritz Building, recognized as one of the oldest surviving structures in Kalama and among the initial brick edifices in the downtown area, was constructed in the year 1909 by Herman William Kockritz, whose family has lasting connections to the region. For many years, this establishment was cherished as a local gathering place, operating as the Kockritz Hotel, also referred to as the Burton Hotel, where it welcomed countless travelers throughout the 1930s. The main floor boasted a sumptuous dining hall on one side, complemented by a well-stocked bar on the other, where patrons enjoyed the unique privilege of bringing their dogs along. The upper floors were dedicated to hotel rooms for several decades, with the name of the establishment changing hands under various ownerships. By the mid-20th century, the building underwent a significant transformation, evolving entirely into a commercial dining venue with apartments situated above. Today, it stands as a resilient historical landmark, having endured floods, fires, and the relentless march of time.