A short history of Hotel Diamond - Chico, CA
Posted by: 
saopaulo1
N 39° 43.688 W 121° 50.411
10S E 599393 N 4398227
A sign about Hotel Diamond in Chico.
Waymark Code: WM1BJXC
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 02/19/2025
Views: 0
A short history of Hotel Diamond
The Diamond Hotel was built in 1904 by Mrs. Ardenia A. Morehead, the widow of James Franklin Morehead. It was Chico’s premier hotel. The structure contained 56 rooms and dining for 200. The hotel had electric and gas fixtures, steam heat and private baths. It burned in 1916 and later reopened as a budget-friendly Traveler’s Hotel.
During a modernizing remodel in the 1940s, original ornamentation was stripped from the building. From 1961-1966, the building was used as a women’s dormitory for Chico State University. Abandoned in 1972, the building was referred to as The Pigeon Palace by local residents.
Wayne Cook acquired The Diamond in 2001 and set about restoring it to its former glory. It reopened in 2005 with 43 rooms. The Victorian decorative theme and use of black walnut stayed true to the luxurious ambiance of the original hotel. Once again, the Diamond is Chico’s premier hotel.
Group that erected the marker: Downtown Chico Business Association
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
220 W 4th St
Chico, CA USA
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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