Demolition of the historic structure began Jan. 25, following a fire on Dec. 5 that destroyed much of the building. The building sustained extensive damage not only from the blaze but also from the significant amount of water used to extinguish the flames.

The building’s owner, Gabor M. Zsolnay, stated through a representative that several items of historical value were recovered from the property and placed into storage, including bricks, paintings, photographs and, of course, the building’s sign.

“The House of Ludington’s iconic sign was removed first and stored for safe keeping,” stated Zsolnay. “Site clearing and fence enclosures were erected for public safety. With the capable help of the local Klee family construction team, demolition commenced.”

Those interested in purchasing salvaged items, such as bricks for keepsakes, may contact Brittany Kleiman, representative for the House of Ludington, at 906-241-7558. The public is asked to respect property boundaries as crews continue working at the site.

Late Friday morning, a firefighter from the Escanaba Public Safety Department gets close to the action from a ladder truck as the House of Ludington burns. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Zsolnay purchased the House of Ludington in 2022. A native of Hungary, he immigrated to the United States roughly 70 years ago, built a career as an architect and now lives as a retiree in the Chicago area.

The owner previously told the Daily Press that rebuilding was not in his plans.

“I am a preservation and restoration advocate, and I cannot see a continuing role for myself in Escanaba,” said Zsolnay. “My focus on preservation projects, and my age, preclude my taking on the task of developing this prime site. The opportunity to build an iconic facility on this lakefront location will have to be passed on to others.”

Kleiman reiterated that position, stating, “I know of no plans of rebuilding other than (the) sale of the cleared landsite (that) is contemplated.”

A valuation of the total loss has not yet been determined.

An excavator bowls through the remains of the Escanaba landmark that was severely damaged by fire in December. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

According to Visit Escanaba, the hotel was built in 1864 by a lumber baron, Nelson Gaynor, who named the house the “Gaynor House.”

The building was originally located in the middle of Ludington Street but was later moved to 23 Ludington St in 1868 where it sat before its recent demolition.

An addition was added to the East end of the building in 1871, and the house was renamed the Ludington House.

Visit Escanaba states the Ludington House was then sold to the Christies in 1883 and renamed the New Ludington Hotel. The new owners added a West wing in 1903. Just six years later, the hotel had over 100 rooms.

It was also one of the first hotels in the area to have electric, steam heat and baths for $2 a day, according to the site.

Countless tourists and residents stayed at the hotel to celebrate weddings, honeymoons and family reunions. Many even resided in the hotel long-term.

As the site is cleared and its future remains uncertain, many in the community continue to reflect on the building’s legacy and its lasting role in shaping the city.