Phil Castle, The Business Times

Black and white photos adorning the walls inside the Hotel Melrose offer a glimpse more than a century back in time to when the hotel opened in 1908.

A lot has changed since then — both outside and inside the historic building in downtown Grand Junction. But thanks to the efforts of a couple and their real estate business, some things remain the same. For one, the Hotel Melrose is back in business.

Jeff and Danielle Zimmerman own Fort + Home, which purchased the Hotel Melrose in 2021 and renovated the building.

A grand opening is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the hotel, 337 Colorado Ave., and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony as well music, food and beverages. The hotel is set to open to guests Oct. 31.

The Zimmermans kept the old layout of the hotel and as many of the fixtures as they could, Jeff says. “We tried to keep the historic character as much as possible.”

At the same, they refurbished the building to modern standards and added private bathrooms, kitchenettes and other modern amenities to the 16 suites inside to keep guests comfortable.

It’s a combination that offers a unique experience, Danielle says. And that’s the point. “We really want to focus on the experience.”

The Hotel Melrose opened in 1908, constructed by William and Charlotte Ponsford as what originally was a rooming house. The Ponsfords immigrated to Mesa County from England and were involved in cattle ranching in the Kannah Creek area before moving to Grand Junction.

The building is the last of a dozen buildings constructed around the same time in downtown, Jeff says. The prospect of preserving that history was part of what interested him in purchasing and restoring the property.

But there’s also the location and what he says is the allure of the Grand Valley to guests who want to enjoy the outdoor recreation, visit wineries, eat at local restaurants, check out breweries and coffee shops and shop in stores. Downtown Grand Junction is an attraction as well, he says. “Main Street here is beautiful, the most beautiful main street in Colorado.”

The Hotel Melrose can also serve as a venue for events, including weddings and corporate retreats. It’s possible to book the entire hotel, Jeff says.

Although nothing is yet decided, the Zimmermans say they envision opportunities to collaborate with other local businesses in offering co-branded experiences to guests, whether that’s bicycle rentals, meals at local restaurants or winery tours.

The Hotel Melrose offers 16 suites in various configurations with king, queen and double queen beds. The suites come with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and flat screen televisions.

The hotel also features The Melrose Spirit Co., a cocktail bar, as well as a patio with outdoor seating and fire pits.

Fixture Studio, a Grand Junction-based company that handles vacation rentals, will manage the Hotel Melrose. Guests will enjoy contactless check-in and keyless entry.

While Fort + Home is based in Denver,   the Zimmermans have ties to Western Colorado. Jeff grew up in the region and attended Colorado Mesa University. Jeff and Danielle met at CMU, where they both received bachelor’s degrees.

Jeff said he worked in the energy industry, but also joined with Danielle in renovating Grand Junction houses for rental properties. They subsequently worked at flipping properties in Denver.

They launched Fort + Home in 2017, a firm with divisions that buy, sell and lease real estate; manage properties; invest in real estate; and develop residential and commercial properties.

The company is involved in projects in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. That includes another project in the Grand Valley in renovating a trailer park as part of efforts to offer more affordable housing. Jeff says an important part of business development is providing workforce housing.

The Zimmermans expect to work on still other Grand Valley projects, including renovations and new construction. “We plan to make a big impact in the community,” Jeff says.

But the more things change, the more some things remain the same. And 115 years after it first opened, the Hotel Melrose is back in business. Danielle says the couple is pleased to have been a part of that. “We feel really fortunate.”

For more information about the Hotel Melrose, Including availability and reservations, log on to the website at www.thehotelmelrose.com.