Today it’s known as Lofts on the Square. Ninety years ago, it was the new Hotel Belleville

Now it’s the Lofts on the Square apartment complex. Ninety years ago, it was the brand new Hotel Belleville.

This front page image of the Belleville Daily News-Democrat previewed the official grand opening of the new hotel.

The lead article notes the project was a $375,000 investment, and the building was 100% fireproof.

“It is modern in appearance, massive in construction and beautiful in design,” the article states. “The frontage is finished in fancy tan, stock brick.”

The article called the hotel Belleville’s ``biggest project and achievement.”

This story was originally published September 3, 2021 at 11:53 AM.