751 Comments for Hotel Sterling

Thanks for the update Lisa. It sounds like demolishing it is inevitable (although I hope not!!!) but if there is some way we can help, let us know! I know I am interested. :) I can only imagine how stunning this must have been back in its heyday. It would indeed be a shame to see it demolished.

Motts,
You are so good ! Haven't been on in awhile ...Miss your work !

Just wanted to clarify something for the people reading about the Srerling Hotel on here. I live close by and reading the comments regarding weather or not the hotel was torn down or not, it has NOT been demolished, yet. The smaller biulding next to or behind the Sterling, or the larger building was torn down about 5 or 6 yrs. ago. It was not safe and had to go. The Sterling Hotel still stands, however recently was announced that it too will be torn down. The new owners say they cannot find anyone willing to invest the money needed to renovate it. They are saying it will cost around 100 million after at least 6 million of taxpayer money was already used to remove asbestos, demolish the tower next to the hotel, secure it so it does not deteriote any further, and to market it with a real estate firm. So sad to see it go, however I cannot see how it can be saved, needing that kind of money.
Bertha, once I finally get a facebook account, (i must be the only person not on facebook) I will check you out and see what we can do. There has to be something that can be done. Also, Bertha, thank you for caring about the Sterling, and all of the others that do too. It would be a shame to see such a beautiful, historic landmark to go!

I remember this room from the 60's. It was the ballroom. Quite the place! We would go for their Sunday smorgasbord; I remember tables filled with split lobster tail!!

My parent's wedding reception was here. I know there were pillars here but I am guessing that they were damaged in the 1972 flood and mirrored. Don't really know though.


Lots of memories from when this hotel was a showcase.

To Maria: I want to take exception to your comment that "most buildings in the city of Wilkes-Barre are abandoned" That certainly is not the case. While it is true that many buildings in W-B are abandoned, stating "most" is a bit much. The fact that the Sterling stands at one of the most visible sites - the entry to the city - is a sad welcome. Rather like an unarmed sentinel guarding the portal. Beautiful in its day, it is coming to an end as plans have been made for razing the Sterling.
Sadly, the decay had begun before the tenants were summarily evicted, however, at that point, repairs were not out of the question. No foresight.

They really don't. It makes me sick that this is being demolished. :(

It's a crying shame. We're losing another architectural gem to the wrecking ball. Buildings of this era are national treasures & should be treated as such. It's just a crying shame. =8`-(

I just read the article Motts posted about the demolition of this beautiful hotel. I do actually have several favorite locations that Motts has posted and this is one of them. It is such a shame that yet another grand old place will be torn down. I wish something could have been done but it looks hopeless. I hope they don't put another damn Wal-Mart there. Urgh. Thanks for the info, Motts.

They don't build them like they used to. So much beauty going to waste.

What a stunning view. You always have such a good eye Mott. I really appreciate seeing the old buildings and imagine what they were like in their heyday.

The Loss of such an impresive landmark in WIlkes-Barre is not a step in the right direction as the local politicians would like everyone to believe. Replacing a true architechtural gem with either a vacant lot or a new faceless glass and concrete box is rediculous. I read a partial list of how the 6 million dollars was spent on the property. I am not an expert, but I would think it would have been prudent to spend some of that money on repairing the roof and drainage systems which would have kept the structural and cosmetic damage from progressing. Even though I am pretty sure there is no way of stopping the planned demolition, I still hold a shadow of hope that somehow the building will survive for generations to come.

Hi Lisa,
I am starting an orgnanization to preserve the sterling-like my fb group if you are interested in saving it http://www.facebook.co...e-PA/147946351934833
Let others know too.

Hi, my name is Lisa and i stumbled upon this site after reading our local newspaper today. Today is St. Patricks day 2011. The article and the talk around town is very upsetting. The Sterling is going to be torn down, contrary to what this web site states it is still standing. The new owners recieved 6 million in taxpayers money to do some work to the property and get it ready to be sold and renovated. We were under the impression for 5 yrs. that this beautiful, historic hotel would be around for a long time! According the the owners, 100 million is needed and no developers are interested and it's now the end of the Hotel Sterling! So SAD!!! Most locals are very upset, thinking they were duped, 6 million in our money wasted and still no hope for the hotel. This place was where politicans stayed while in town, celebrities, weddings were held here and now it's going to see the wrecking ball! Please, if you haven't seen it, do so soon. It will be gone forever like many other historic buildings. I personally haven't seen the inside and now will definately check it out for myself. Such a waste, can't imagine 113 yrs. of memories and beauty will be gone forever! Thanks motts for capturing the former beauty of the Sterling for future generations to cherish!

Another opulent piece of local history lost. Unlike other countries we do not treasure the workmanship/beauty of the past. There should be a cost effective way to renovate and save this landmark building. But most of society would rather look at a vacant lot or generic cement block building than an architectural jem :'''(

It is a beautiful building so much character so many memories-Isnt there any sort of way we can save it????