The Wyatt: A piece of history reimagined

BY COPELAND WELCH / Multimedia Journalist 

The Long Hotel is undergoing renovations by Reagan and Lindsey Thompson where it will soon be transformed into The Wyatt, an upscale living space in downtown Stephenville.

This addition to downtown Stephenville, opening in the spring of 2024, will provide more housing opportunities and help restore the history of The Long Hotel.  

The Long Hotel has been vacant for years and many would agree it needed a facelift. The Thompson’s purchased the property with plans to renovate the space to provide an upscale experience for residents and visitors.    

The Long Hotel was constructed in the late 1930s and had the luxury of air conditioning. This hotel offered three stories, a grand lobby and 40 guest rooms. According to Optima Durant Group, the original architect of the hotel when it was first built in the 1900s, hotel guests were charged $2.25 and up per night. 

The Wyatt was named after the designer of The Long Hotel, Wyatt Hedrick. The Long Hotel, which featured only three stories, will differ in several ways from The Wyatt. A fourth floor has been added to the complex to accommodate the growing population of Stephenville.  

The Wyatt will feature 15 short and long-term units on the top three floors. These apartments will vary in size, with some one bedroom, one bathroom, others with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  

“As a family with a deep love and big heart for this community, we are honored to bring re-development to the historic Long Hotel in the heart of downtown Stephenville,” Reagan told Beneath the Surface News.  

A notable attraction is the modern restaurant on the first floor of the complex. The restaurant, Lucky and Co., is owned by Jeff and Kimberly Hutchins. 

Some locals may be familiar with this couple, considering they own Lucky Vines Vineyard Winery and Lucky Brewing Co. in Dublin.  

The Hutchins have huge plans in store for the restaurant, including an eclectic menu and an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. To top it off, The Hutchins have hired Executive Chef Courtney Billen, who is known for her expertise in luxury dining and global cuisine.  

“Our concept and main focus are pairing menus – developing a culinary and beverage experience for everyone who walks through the door,” Billen told Beneath the Surface News.  

The Wyatt will address the need for additional housing, provide a unique experience and revive the historical integrity of The Long Hotel.