Groundbreaking ceremonies from the Broadview Hotel were held on September 15, 1921 and just eight months later the hotel welcomed its first guest. For over 75 years, the historic Broadview Hotel has stood majestically on the banks of the Arkansas River overlooking downtown Wichita.
Built by George H. Siedhoff at the corner of Waco and Douglas, the sites were thousands of cattle had crossed the Arkansas en route to market on the infamous Chisholm Trail. The Broadview quickly gained fame as the most modern, comfortable hotel in the western United States.
The grand hotel was used to entertain and influence Wichita citizens throughout the roaring '20s. During Prohibition, the restaurant located in the basement of the Broadview (which had seating capacity of over 600) served as Wichita's only 'speak easy'. The basement was also equipped as a fall-out shelter during the intense "Bomb Scare" years of the late '40s and throughout the 1950s.
Why "Broadview"?
Several names were considered for the new hotel. Among the suggestions were "The Wichita" and "The Waco", but it was Mrs. George Siedhoff who made the final decision to call the hotel "The Broadview".
Standing on the rooftop, she was impressed at the expansive (or broad) view of downtown Wichita and the Arkansas River. In addition, when driving toward the hotel, she was struck by the realization that due to the odd shape of the intersection of Waco and Douglas, two sides of the building were clearly visible at once, providing citizens with a broad view of the hotel.
And no doubt to foster domestic tranquility, she commented that the name also represented the broadness of the vision of the men who saw the need for a new first-class hotel in downtown Wichita. (Her husband was the primary owner and builder.)
Frank Isbell Becomes Hotel's First Guest
Many locals assume that Charles Way (The Broadview's first General Manager), or owner/builder George Siedhoff were the hotel's first guests, but that honor was actually granted to local businessman Frank Isbell.
Upon hearing that a sparkling new hotel was to be constructed in downtown Wichita, local entrepreneur and owner of Wichita's professional baseball team, Frank "Izzy" Isbell, scheduled a meeting with Mr. Siedhoff and proclaimed, "I heard you're building a first-class hotel, and by golly, I intend to be its first guest!"
Amused by the request, Mr. Siedhoff agreed and at the Grand Opening on May 15, 1922, the first guest listed in the register is Frank Isbell. Upon signing the guest register, Mr. Isbell leaned over the 3-inch marble front desk and commented, "Well buddy, I see it's a fine hotel."
Roof Garden was Popular Night Spot
During the warm Kansas summers, the Broadview Hotel featured the only roof garden in the state. No other hotel in the area could accommodate such a large assemblage.
Guests could enjoy the view as they strolled on the rooftop promenade, overlooking the city and Arkansas River. Dinner on the Roof Garden was an elegant affair, featuring dinner music from the area's premier orchestras. After dinner, guests could dance the night away above the bustling city lights, under the Wichita night sky.
West Wing and Crystal Ballroom Added
In 1929 a north wing was completed and in 1948 the large ground floor Crystal Ballroom was added to the west side of the hotel. It is here that you will find the original handcrafted mosaic mural created in the late '40s by the great Native American painter, Blackbear Bosin.
This mosaic, which took over a year to finish, depicts the story of life in the old West. In addition, his renowned sculpture "Keeper of the Plains" is visible from guest rooms, which overlook the river.
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