A Tour Through Mineral Wells' Baker Hotel As It's Prepped for Its Makeover

By Patrick Michels Sat., Sep. 4 2010 at 12:00 PM

Categories: Preservation, Things We Like

Photos by Patrick Michels

There are holes in the walls of the storied hotel, and the beds are trashed and stained from seeping water (and worse), but developers hope to reopen the Baker in 2013.

As we stroll from the ruins of the Baker Hotel lobby into what's left of the dining room, Mark Rawlings points his flashlight through a hole in the paster ceiling, lighting an ornate stretch of the original moulding hidden underneath. Back in the '50s, he tells me, an attempt to modernize the 1929 resort hotel ended up remodeling away pieces of the old building's original charm. "You don't try to impose your will on one of these old buildings," Rawlings tells me. "You take what she's willing to give you, and roll with it."

Rawlings is a managing partner with HHCC, the Austin-based contractors charged with giving the place a 21st Century reboot, and making Mineral Wells a weekend tourist destination once again.

After Robert first mentioned that Jeff Trigger, the man who resurrected the Stoneleigh, was working on the Baker next, Rawlings was one of the first to reply to my emails asking for more details (along with Kevin Pruitt, who's making a documentary about the job, and architects Kurt and Beth Thiel, with whom we'll post a Q&A early next week). The place is a towering concrete albatross around Mineral Wells, looming over a town that doesn't look to have changed much since its heyday as a wellness getaway. The hotel closed in the early '70s, and despite a few attempts to put the place back in business, it's been empty since then -- except, of course, for 40 years of squatters, taggers, kids, security guards, cats, bats and raccoons, some of which were still hanging around on my walk through the 14-story hotel on Wednesday.

Jump for a photo tour through the hotel ruins, past old spa machines, through hotel rooms, up into the bell tower and down into the basement. And don't worry, I'll warn you before you reach the mummified cats.

We enter through the old record shop entrance on the corner, though an office littered with old flyers and mayoral campaign signs. I'm joined on the tour by "Hard-Workin'" Billy Joe Gabriel, a Fort Worth historian who's been collecting Baker Hotel artifacts for decades, and his brother John Gabriel. Billy Joe assembled a proposal to remodel the Baker for his business degree at SMU, and made a serious run at the hotel in the early '80s. His brother John even lived in it for three months.

The Baker's lobby

Like most of the rest of the hotel, the Baker's lobby is covered in graffiti. Plaster is peeling off the roof after years of water damage, but plenty of old moulding and light fixtures are still in place. The building itself is all concrete, and Rawlings says it's in surprisingly good shape.

He and other contractors have been surveying the place for about a year now, he says, sizing up everything from its electrical and plumbing systems to its compliance with modern-day building and fire codes. If they get started remodeling the place next spring, he says, it'll be ready to open in spring 2013. Of the estimated $54 million price tag to get the place up and running again, he says HHCC is getting a little over $28 million to get the building back in shape. The rest will go to outfitting it for business as a modern spa and hotel.

A chandelier in the hotel lobby hangs from a water-damaged ceiling.

Moulding along the balcony overlooking the hotel lobby.

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My view of this majestic hotel as seen from my airplane http://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestusa/6193453013/ doesn't do justice to this place. The first time I saw it about 4 years ago, I thought to myself, If I win the PowerBall lottery, I'd restore this place. It is one of the most striking buildings I've ever seen, and more impressive to me than the Hotel Ukraine in Moscow (where I once lived.) Nostalgia is a mother-lode for marketing these days, and the investors are brilliant for returning this grand hotel to it's former glory... I hope to be on a waiting list to stay here soon after it is open... Can Mineral Wells "sustain it?" No, but everyone else within 1,000 miles of it will, when they learn they can stay here again. I'm confident when it is marketed on the internet, people will come from foreign countries to stay here and "sustain" Mineral Wells.
Are you still planning this restoration? I've been passing that hotel almost all my life. We would love to see something done with it and would definitely stay there if possible.
Had my first experience with the Baker this last weekend. 11-5-2011.. My daughter and I were traveling 281. We pulled into town, and the building took my breath. I have been through Mineral Wells numerous times, but always traveling along 180.. How I missed this beautiful intriguing building on my other trips, I have NO IDEA!!.. We pulled over on a side street and walked to it.. I am saddened to see all the graffitti in such a beautiful historic place with such a story. We peered in as many "holes" and windows as possible. Wish I would have known about this place back when tours were available. Would love to tour it, see it made to a museum/ working hotel again.. We would definately find it good enough reason to stay a weekend in Mineral Wells, TX.
I look forward to being able to come stay and ghost hunt come 2013
I have a ? Does dis hotel in mineral wells tx have security guards
What a great thing you are doing. I lived in Mineral Wells for 20 years and my daughter was born there. When I was a child I remember swimming in the pool at the Baker, the fountain and the incredible smell of grilled hamburgers at the snack bar. I have been memorized by this grand old lady from a very young age. I now live in Houston but I would go back to stay there and enjoy the atmosphere of it all over again. It was and still is a beautiful structure and I hope that the new restoration will keep its class and charm that it had in the earlier days. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. Best wishes and keep us posted on the progress. Thank you for bringing a beautiful building back to life!
WHAT A HAUNTINGLY ROMANTIC HOTEL .... MY GRANDCHILDREN ENJOYED KNOWING THAT THE THREE STOOGES STAYED AT THE BAKER HOTEL
I've driven past the Baker for 54 years. What a magnificent edifice. It has so much potential and yes, it will take a great deal of money but "they just don't build them like this anymore." If Texas were to ever allow casinos, the Baker would be a fabulous place to restore. It could also be used for condominiums, the hotel could partner perhaps with universities in the DFW area and motor coach to games or Cowboy Stadium, Six Flags, Texas Motor Speedway etc. Surely there is big money someplace whom could save this landmark?
Can you post your picture? If not, did it have a bright white face?
We lived at the Baker Hotel in a suite while my husband was in flight training at Ft Wolters in the late 60's. We had two little children and it was like the book about Eloise. The maids did all the cleaning and would sit and chat in the kitchen. The bellshops and elevator people and desk people would look after the childron like the were their own. The pool was beautiful. Parties in the Brazzo Club and of course bingo. An experience that can never be replaced.
I also had this happen when i went back home to mw to visit i stopped off at the bakers and took a picture through the front door. the picture was of the light fixtures in the front when i ot home and loaded it on my computer there is a face in the light fixture plain as day.
My mom was also a elevator operator and my gmaw had a beauty salon there and my dad worked in the kitchen. i havent been in there since the 80's I can not wait till it reopens !! I was born in Mineral Wells
These animals look as though they have been poisoned. They normally don't pass away in the open like this. Hopefully this is not the case. There are plenty of rescue groups that could pitch in to help remove them....
Visited in June and had an interesting figure show up in a picture. Looked to be standing at the lobby desk. Are there currently tours available?
My mom and I went there last night and I was horrified at how much destruction has occurred in the last few years. I first saw The baker when I came to Mineral Wells to train a new clerk at the Post Office. I spent my lunch hour every day poring over it's details. It was love at first sight. Now almost all the doors have smashed glass and boards are haphazardly placed over them. The trash and graffiti made me so sad. Restoration can't start soon enough. Restore it and we will come.
I would love to be apart of this. I'm highly sensative and am being drawn to this enormous energy. Please contact me...
Hi Kristi- I was there too, the same night. Always wanted to go back and see more, but I never got the chance. I have lost touch with the place and am just now discovering ( happily ) that it may get restored. Can't wait to see what transpires!
if you want get some of the stuff that came out of the baker look for quadalupi davilla and rest of the davilla and robert watson they will also sell you drugs and stolen stuff
Beautiful, elagant, stunning........... i could go on and on . the Baker Hotel should be preserved and enjoyed. i was there today, no renovation appears to have started. it was locked up. preserve the architecture and furnish southern classic comfy with enough elegance to take you back... look at the gaylord and the great wolf lodge, which i worked at...i have watched people come from far and wide . i think as with the original opening after the market crash, the bakers time has come again. i cant think of anyone i know that would not throughly love a night or weekend trip to the baker hotel, Geographically the baker is well situated especially with the state park in close proximaty, shopping there and in weatherford and the topography of the land......just love thinking about it!!! I truly hope it comes to fruition!
Who do we contact to get a group of photogs to explore it?
I work in mineral wells. Today I stopped and went up the steps orchid hotel... It made me think of titanic. I don't know why. Anyways nothing has been done to this beautiful building except more vandalism .it's so sad.
was in there last week there is no restoration being done as of yet place is awesome
I stopped by the Famous Water store down the street from the Baker this last weekend. I have recently taken a serious interest in the water (Crazy Water), but have for a long time had interest in The Baker. There isn't ONE single time I drive by her that I don't stop and just walk around her and take it in. Spoke to a few folks about if they knew anything in regards to when the project will begin, and was told they are about $30 million short right now. Trying to see if this ws true, I called HHCC (one of the companies involved in the restoration) and spoke to a gentleman briefly that has knowledge of the upcoming project. He admitted that there is a shortfall of funds to get the project completed, but did think that it would get done. Said the "process is a little slow right now". So the best we can do at this point is keep our fingers crossed that the funding will happen. It appears that the team assembled is top notch to get this thing done, so I'm hopeful. I drive past the "grand ole lady" to and from Pk Lake from Fort Worth. I have never been inside, and was only 1 when she closed for good, so I'm not entirely clear what draws me to this bldg, like so many others I have read. So lets all hope that Washington and Texas will step up and help fund this project so we can all see her back.....Chris
It's on the ground floor, but it was removed for storage. It sat behind where the shoe shine stand currently sits.
I would absolutely unequivocally go there. I've only been through Mineral Wells once (well, twice... on the way to someplace and then again on the way back) and we stopped there both times. It was an amazing place. A long drive from my location, but I would definitely go once a year, and if it was spa-like again, I would go more often if I could. I read that doctors stopped prescribing it when antibiotics became available, and considering some of the things that happen with antibiotics, I'd honestly prefer mineral water and other spa tereatments. There's a lot to be said for getting back to natural methods, and there are plenty of people who believe that way these days, so perhaps it WILL be an attraction again.
Yes, there is.
I was a rug rat running around the Baker hotel in the late 30th & 40th as my grand mother and my mother work their as maids. I went back last month to minerial well and what a shame it was to see minerial well in such dis repair. Don L. Harris Borned in Lipan Texas in 1937
I would like to know if there is a address that I may contribute to the restoration fund? I love old buildings and their history. I hate to see them disappear.
Would like to know if there is an address that I may donate to the restoration fund. I love old buildings and the history that goes with them. If these walls could talk what would they say?
I drive past the baker 2 times a week on my way to possum kingdom lake from Bedford. When I saw the building for the first time I was drawn to it. I had stopped to look at the building with my friend and teenage daughter to take pictures. While standing and looking up the front steps a man approached me and said " isn't she something?" I turned and started up a conversation with this gentleman. After about 15 mins of walking along the porch and talking, he asked how long we were going to be there. When I asked why, he explained that he had a key at his house if we wanted to take a look inside. We met his other friend and his teenage daughter, which made us feel a little better about going in! After about 20 mins he returned with a key and opened one of the storefront shops next to the old diner. By then another young woman had come by and we asked her to join us. We all went inside and started in the lobby, and made our way to the top of the bell tower. He gave us a tour as if he were a tour guide. He has mentioned being a caretaker at one point I believe. He explained about the spa, and the strange paintings on the shower doors in the men's spa. The child being spanked is one of the illustrations in the bakers brochures. It states that decompressing at the baker will relieve life's daily tensions and in turn make u less likely to be angry and impatient. Hence, beating your kids!! Our guide found the brochures and gave me several copies that were in mint condition. They are a gas! They tell you that being thin makes you intelligent! We also have hotel cashiers checks. We got to see the horrible conditions of the Bonnie and Clyde suite. We also toured the baker suite. ( yes we found the secret liquor stash ) I was in awe over this place. I've been wishing for the restoration of this grand monument for 3 years, since I first laid eyes on it. I feel more appreciative of the baker having seen it in this aweful state. I look forward to spending many nights there when she is restored!!! I think that the baker hotel will draw A LOT more people than anyone expects. Some like the architecture, the romance, the isolation and of course you'll have tons of "ghost hunting."
Interesting. I was born and raised in MW. My grandparents' business was located right across the street from the Baker, so we were over there a lot in the 60s and early 70s--eating in the coffee shop, getting drinks at the hotel store. In the summer, we hung out at the pool a lot. The Baker was beautiful even then. I was sorry to see it close in the 70s and then even sorrier to watch it deteriorate over the years. It's good news to hear that someone is willing to take a chance on the old girl, but I wonder if it's too late. And can MW attract visitors who will stay at the Baker? My favorite thing about the Baker was the pool--a kiddie pool with a spillway that you could slide across and drop into the big pool. Yeah, you'd always get in trouble for that one, but it was fun! Thanks for the story!
I've heard about this for a long time, hope it comes to pass. I was a life guard there in the mid-fifties and have many fond memories. My brother was also a lifeguard in the early fifties. Many families from Dallas, Ft. Worth and Wichita Falls came there for their vacation and spent two or more weeks there. I would certainly visit there again. Maybe I could be a lifeguard again, I am only 73 now. Yes, there was a bowling alley there, very small.
My sister and two daughters were at the Baker Hotel just today. What a fascinating and beautiful place. We stopped to take a look around because my daughter is an avid ghost hunter. We were very excited to come home, do a little research and found that this beautiful place is in the beginnings of a restoration. We will absolutely be one of the first families in line to stay in such a beautiful place!
In the early 70s when Ft. Wolters Army post was still operating in Mineral Wells, during the Viet Name war, my boyfriend and several other military guys rented rooms in the Baker. Gary and 2 of his friends rented a penthouse suite. I remember going there and being amazed at how gorgeous it was. Four bedrooms, kitchen, dumb waiter, bathrooms, a huge living room with fireplace and these elegant arches with twisted columns separating it from the dining room. I've been hoping for years someone would buy the Baker and refurbish it. I'm hoping they make some condos out of some of the rooms. Wouldn't mind getting one myself :-)
I am SO excited to see The Baker will be restored. I would love to be a part of the project. A small group of us down here in San Antonio are planning a road trip when she is back to rights. I see great potential for The Baker to make enough money to more than pay back the cost of restoration. The history behind it is the key. Who wouldn't want to see where Mr. Baker's mistress lived? Who wouldn't want to try to catch a glimpse of the woman who killed herself? Also, the little rooms on the ground level will make some money rented out. It would be awesome for a radio station to work out down there again.
I drive past this building often headed to our lakehouse on Possum Kingdom. I am thrilled to hear that this "ole girl" will be coming back to life. It is very sad to see the boarded up doors and all the broken windows she has today. Even in it's current state, what a beautiful building. I drove past her again just yesterday on my way back to Fort Worth and decided I wanted to know more about her past. And she does have a very storied past, from ghost stories to former presidents staying there. I can't wait to see her re-opened as I will definately be staying there. As long as all those current "ghostly residents" keep themselves out of my sight, I look forward to taking in all she has to offer. Thanks to the folks that are taking the leap of faith to bring this peice of history back. I can't wait to see the work start. Hurry up guys..... Chris
If you haven't seen the Baker Hotel it's definitely worth making to short trip to Mineral Wells to see such a beautiful building. Anyone who has seen it knows how breathtaking it truly. I had the pleasure of touring the Baker about 5 years ago on a paranormal tour. The history of the hotel is quite remarkable. I would love to see the resurrection of the hotel to be successful. I wish you well on your new adventure.
While traveling on 281 South Tuesday, Sept., 7th, 2010 in the down-pour from what I'm told was part of hurricane Herminie�s, I and the four car motor pool I was traveling with was caught by a red-light in the small town area of Mineral Wells, TX. While waiting for the light to change, I casually glanced out of the window to my left and spotted the most breathe taking, strange, weird, creepy, (in an alluring sort of way), enormous, block of brown brick I've ever seen in my life. The building loomed from a backdrop of military gray clouds, sprinkled by quick strikes of lighting and bold drops of rain dashing harder against the autos by way of strong gusts of wind. To date I have expressed my interest/excitement to a few friends, questioned, and found information on the Baker. Though there were a couple of things in some of its� history that raised an eyebrow, but I read others' interest in your town restoring the place...which in my opinion would be absolutely a great thing to do. I'm not from TX, however, my home state has its' share of spooky old ghosts and plenty of mysteries to go around and I love the fun of it all, but I'm a real stickler for interesting history from any state. Here�s wishing you much luck in your process of the Baker.
Hello. I was part of a paranormal group that spent the night in the Baker back in Jan. 2003. It was awesome! I had experienced getting pushed on the back by a cold, boney hand, as well as cold spots, dark shadows and footsteps. You should contact the Ghost Hunters to investigate before it's remodelled. It was such a beautiful hotel even in it's present state. Just a thought. Give the Baker some more publicity?! Thanks, Kristi Acevedo
This hotel is what actually put Mineral Wells on the map in the first place. Do I think it can do it again? I am hesitant to say yes. However, when it is completed I can promise I'll go for a weekend. If the town can get into the gas industry like it was in the oil industry 20 - 30 years ago, I see it lasting. I agree with the above poster that said you have to have something more than a fancy hotel to attract people. Sorry to sound doubtful but I really do hope it helps and makes it. Mineral Wells needs all the help it can get.
I grew up in Texas and have always been amazed at the site of The Baker. I did get a tour once and it is absolutely beautiful. The area around the hotel is really nice. The town would definitely benefit from the restoration of The Baker. I live in MN now and I would come and stay there just because of the awesome history that the place has. If it is restored to its original beauty, then you wouldnt need a lot of other entertainment. I would even make the 900 mile trip down there just to be one of the first to stay there. If you restore it people will come. And I believe it will be a lot of people.
What an awesome blog, and great pictures of the Baker. Everyone in Texas KNOWS the Baker hotel, and it will certainly become a draw for Mineral Wells and hopefully revitalize the city. The views from the windows of the city and surrounding areas are incredible. The team I hear you have surrounding you is impressive and quality driven. You have obviously made great choices for a classy renovation that will go down in history as another well remodeled icon. Our hats are off to you and your team. Congratulations on an incredible journey. Dr. Armstrong
i love the backer hotel
Thanks Brent -- glad someone noticed those price tags were suspiciously low. Fixed it above, but of course that was $54 *million*.
I'm amazed that they can do all of that work for just $54! I'll be glad to chip in the remaining $28.
Potential band name alert: Penis Grafitti Motif Coin-Op Colonic Machine
My family used to have family reunions at this hotel in the late '60's and early '70's. I thought it was fantastic then. I do hope it gets restored.
I spent a night in The Baker once, just before they quit doing tours. I fell in love with it. Even though I wasn't born, or didn't grow up here I'd love to see the commerce that renovating this hotel will bring. God knows this town needs a jump start. I'm so glad to see something finally being done with it. Everyone was always saying, "not in our lifetime." I'm also glad that no one demolished it like it's sister in Dallas.
There was a bowling alley on the street level for a while. It was only 2 or 3 lanes and wasn't the big type we all are familiar with. It was removed for storage space behind where the old shoe-shine stand sits now.
My grandfather was a member of the Brazos Club. I remember many nights at the hotel in the 50's, swimming during the day, watching my Mom and Grandmother play bingo at night. We used to attend Camp Constantine for two weeks and spend the weekend between sessions at the Baker...... Elevator had a real human operator and they had a game room with the light operating rifle that made the bear change directions!!!!
I grew up knowing the Baker Hotel. My mom and my aunts worked there and on the story of the Baker you can see their checks printed and cashed. Some for 38/dollars 6/dollars. I saw some of my classmates that worked there, checks also. Very interesting. I hope The Baker will be restored, it wont be like the old days,but I can say that I saw it when it was still swinging and hope to see the new swinger.
The Baker is a beautiful old building and deserving of being restored; if for no other reason than for younger generations to see up close the opulance of the 1920's. As a child in Mineral Wells I remember the pool, the Brazos Club, luncheons there with my Mother and watching her get massages in the basement. My family and I would certainly stay there if the hotels reopens.
Does anyone know if there was ever a bowling alley at the Baker? Was told there was one in the basement. True or False?
Many, many people would love to see the Baker Hotel Restored. Not just the locals that were around when it was open but also those that stayed there at one time or another, even people that have no history with the Baker. My Dad worked there for years off and on. He started as an elevator operater, bell hop, auditor, and then General Manager. My Dad told us lots of stories,and my brothers,sisters, and I had great time growing up in and around the Baker Hotel. As well as creating job opportunities it could give Mineral Wells something else to be proud of.
You have no idea what this hotel means to the people who grew up knowing it. I grew up in the 50's and 60's. We have alot of history with this hotel. It is a big part of Mineral Wells, and if they revive it,the town will grow and thrive. Do not dismiss the fact that the townspeople and management of the town will not come to life again. I know in my heart that they will. I will be right there in spirit with them.
While I did not grow in Mineral Wells, both of my parents did and 90% of my relatives still live there. My parents moved back to MW cuz my dad bought a ton of land there. I have such fond memories of spending holidays,summer weekends with my cousins and relatives there. We even rented out the Baker for my parents 25th annivesary. It took a lot of work to clean up entry before it was suitable for guests, and although we didn't have a/c, everyone loved being able attend a party at this historic relic in MW. I'm so excited to hear that a completion date of Spring 2013 is set - I will definitely hold my parent's 50th anniversary there! Renovation of the Baker is exactly what MW needs to revive this town and provide employment to many people out of work.
While I did not grow in Mineral Wells, both of my parents did and 90% of my relatives still live there. My parents moved back to MW cuz my dad bought a ton of land there. I have such fond memories of spending holidays,summer weekends with my cousins and relatives there. We even rented out the Baker for my parents 25th annivesary. It took a lot of work to clean up entry before it was suitable for guests, and although we didn't have a/c, everyone loved being able attend a party at this historic relic in MW. I'm so excited to hear that a completion date of Spring 2013 is set - I will definitely hold my parent's 50th anniversary there!
I disagree with Wave. If there's a big, nice pool, I'd stay at the hotel in a heartbeat--regardless of what else is in Mineral Wells. My 2 cents: don't try to make it too avant-garde, hipster, or modern. Make it classy and just pricey enough to keep it maintained well. I love the Capitol Hotel in Little Rock as an example. It is true to its design and the service/dining/atmosphere are top-notch; it only lacks a pool. In the winter, set up some outdoor activities at the state park nearby. I'd pay for private hikes, etc. What a great building! So glad someone is going to save it!
Nice story about a very interesting place, but I really don't understand why someone would pour that kind of money into a pretty big hotel with nothing around it. I'm sure it will be a great resort but Mineral Wells isn't the attraction that it once was.
This piece was great. I drive past that hotel at least twice a year and always wonder two things. 1. What's inside (mummified cats!) and 2. What it could be if someone had tons and tons of money to bring it back. It's amazing that this thing is generating interest before the Statler Hilton though. I'll be interested to see if Mineral Wells can sustain it.