Gov. Rick Perry talks about the importance of the Settles Hotel renovation project to Big Spring. (HERALD photo/Thomas Jenkins)
 

To newcomers, the old building is little more than a glass and brick monolith that dominates the downtown area.

To Big Spring natives, however, it is much, much more.

Several long-time residents shared their feelings for the Settles during groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday to mark a $20 million renovation of the historic building.

W.R. Settles built the hotel in 1930 for the then-considerable sum of $500,000, money he earned in the oil boom of the 1920s.

During its heyday, the hotel was a destination of choice for travelers and hosted such luminaries as former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, band leader Lawrence Welck and the King himself — Elvis Presley.

For many local residents, however, the hotel is more than just a place to stay.

For Burr Lea Settles, great-nephew of W.R. Settles, the hotel is like a family heirloom.

“In 1926, my great-uncle owned some land near Forsan ... and he got wealthy during the oil boom,” Burr Lea said. “He wanted to do something for Big Spring, so he decided to build this hotel.”

Although the Great Depression robbed W.R. Settles of most of his money, his legacy — in the form of the hotel — remains, and his great-nephew believes the renovation project will return it to its former glory.

“When all the work is done, I believe it will be a shining star of West Texas,” he said.

Ralph and Billye McLaughlin have little trouble recalling their favorite memory of the Settles.

“We are about to celebrate our 60th anniversary,” Ralph said. “And we had our wedding reception in that building. That's my fondest memory of the place.”

When long-time resident Pat Porter and her husband returned to this area in 1974, their furniture was delayed en route, so they needed a place to stay overnight.

They chose the Settles.

“And, of course, I drank a gazillion cups of coffee in the coffee shop there,” she said. “I'm delighted (about the restoration). This will be one of the biggest boons this community has seen in years.”

Tommy Churchwell's memories of the building are a mixed bunch.

His first impression came as an 11-year-old who, along with his Little League baseball teammates, were honored by the local Rotary Club for making the state tournament.

As an adult, however, Churchwell and a group of people who called themselves “The Friends of the Settles” fought a sometimes desperate battle to restore the vacant, decaying building. The group's most significant action was to install windows in the building to keep out the elements and slow the rate of deterioration.

“We had such a jewel and we let it go,” Churchwell said. “I think (the restoration) will transform the entire downtown area. Once we get this big project out of the way, everything else will fall into line.”

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it