History of the Tioga Suites Hotel
On September 15, 1929, the Tioga Inn officially opened with much fanfare and publicity. Safety, technology and overall guest and employee convenience were the rule in the new Tioga. Every guest could enjoy an outside-facing room with transoms and air pipes for ventilation, a lavatory and toilet, and for two-thirds of them, a bath tub or shower connected to each room. The sixth floor was originally devoted to eight private suites, each with a living room, bedroom, and hallway lobby.
In 1942, John Sweet, operator of the Tioga, died unexpectedly and company management exchanged hands eight times over the next half-century. By 1990 the Tioga had opened its doors as an assisted living facility for the community, but unfortunately, the American with Disabilities Act required bathrooms accommodating a wheelchair in each room of the building, among other things. Unable to meet the requirement, the facility was closed, terminating the stay of 45 full-time residents with only 2 weeks notice given.
Current owner, Todd Johnson, came to own the Tioga in the summer of 2004. He has spent much time researching the building's history, and restoring it to its former glory. It was obvious to him very early into ownership that the living were not the only occupants of the Tioga.
For more information on the history of the Tioga, click here.