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Historic hotel restoration adds to Crescent Mills revitalization
December 2024 Update:
In Crescent Mills, the centerpiece of Indian Valley, a project is underway to restore the historic Crescent Hotel and transform it into a year-round gathering spot that honors the area’s heritage. Local entrepreneur Mat Fogarty, originally from Scotland, is breathing new life into the hotel and the neighboring Crescent Store building, aiming to create a destination for both locals and travelers while preserving the town’s unique history.
The Crescent Hotel, built in 1927 and nestled on Highway 89, has been a local landmark for almost a century, rich with history and small-town charm. Fogarty’s project aims to honor this heritage, preserving the area’s rustic appeal while advancing the revitalization of downtown Crescent Mills.
Fogarty, who felt drawn to Crescent Mills’ scenic beauty and potential, is committed to preserving the Crescent Hotel’s architectural legacy. Both the hotel and adjacent Crescent Store building have been officially registered as historic landmarks with the State of California, ensuring that their historical integrity is recognized and maintained. Fogarty is carefully restoring original wood floors and historic windows and plans to leave the buildings’ facades largely unchanged, save for a fresh coat of paint and minor repairs. The hotel’s main building will feature ten guest rooms, each with their own bathroom. Fogarty also owns and is renovating two rental houses included on the block that will also be available to guests once completed.
To enrich the experience for visitors, a new walking path will take guests from the parking lot next to the railroad tracks and wind past each building with informational plaques and living history displays highlighting Crescent Mills’ milling and railroad history. “The Crescent Hotel and Store are more than just buildings—they’re symbols of the community’s resilience,” Fogarty said.
Unlike some of the area’s seasonal accommodations, the Crescent Hotel plans to operate year-round, serving as both a community hub and a destination for visitors. Features will include a restaurant, bar, event space, as well as a garden and back patio, which will open during warmer months. In the hotel’s Alpine-inspired design, guests will encounter the original live-edge bar and a classic wood-burning stove upon entry. From there, they can head to the bar for a drink and a game of pool, or sit down for a meal in the café-style restaurant. The event space will host live music and gatherings, adding to Indian Valley’s limited community venues.
The Crescent Hotel’s restoration is not just about aesthetics; it’s designed to contribute to the local economy. Fogarty’s plans include hiring local staff for the hotel, restaurant, and general store, providing both employment opportunities and much-needed amenities. In an area where fire recovery has created a demand for lodging and event spaces, the hotel will offer a place for both visitors and residents to come together.
In keeping with modern sustainable practices, Fogarty plans to implement solar energy and use recycled and locally sourced materials throughout the project. “Our goal is to honor history while looking toward the future,” he explained.
The hotel has had many owners over the years. Two of its owners were Jack and Barbara Tucker, parents of Crescent Country’s Lisa Forcino. The family moved to Indian Valley in 1975 and reopened the hotel where Barbara managed both the shop and kitchen and Jack tended bar. Lisa herself worked in the restaurant, gaining firsthand experience in the family business. In the years that followed, Barbara joined with ten local women to launch a co-op gift shop in a cottage across the street, selling handmade artisan goods. This shop, now known as Crescent Country, remains an active part of the community under Lisa Forcino’s ownership today.
Fogarty’s dedication to the Crescent Hotel restoration comes from his own love for small towns like Crescent Mills, where he feels a deep connection to the local way of life. Fogarty hopes that the restored hotel will serve as a community hub where everyone feels welcome, helping to fill the gap left by venues lost in the Dixie Fire. Next door, the Crescent Store will house a general store and eatery with a sandwich and pizza shop to meet locals’ and travelers’ everyday needs.
With the Crescent Store set to open in six months and the hotel’s debut projected for eighteen months from now, Fogarty’s vision is beginning to take shape. His hope is that this project will play a vital role in shaping Crescent Mills’ future as a charming, historical, and sustainable community.
