A Grand Old Lady's Fate: Historic Prospect Hotel Faces Foreclosure Auction

It’s a place steeped in history, a real gem tucked away in the southern Oregon landscape. Imagine, a hotel that’s stood for well over a century, welcoming travelers, presidents even, on their way to the breathtaking wonder of Crater Lake. But now, this venerable establishment, the Prospect Hotel, finds itself in a rather heartbreaking predicament, heading to a foreclosure auction. It really makes you pause and think about how even the most enduring landmarks can face uncertain times.

Built piece by piece between 1888 and 1912, this isn't just any old building; it's a living piece of Oregon's past, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its classic Victorian architecture truly evokes a bygone era, the kind of place where you can almost hear the echoes of past conversations and the rustle of turn-of-the-century skirts. For generations, it's served as a quintessential stop, the perfect charming prelude or epilogue to a visit to Crater Lake National Park. Can you believe, even multiple U.S. presidents—folks like Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt—rested their heads here? That alone tells you it's got a story to tell, a truly unique place in our collective memory.

Owners Will and Patricia Biedenbach, who lovingly restored the place back in 1980, must be absolutely devastated. After decades of careful stewardship, keeping its charm alive for countless guests, they now face the tough reality of losing it. Umpqua Bank is the lender, and the property is slated for a foreclosure auction on November 14, 2025, right there at the Jackson County Circuit Court in Medford. It’s a sad twist for such an iconic landmark, isn't it?

If you’re wondering about the specifics, the minimum bid for this piece of living history is set at $1,475,000. That’s essentially the amount owed to the lender. It's not just the hotel building itself, mind you; the sale encompasses the entire 2.5-acre property, which includes 23 charming guest rooms, the popular Prospect Pizza, and the elegant Dinner House Restaurant. It’s a whole package, a complete slice of living history that needs a new steward.

What will become of this treasured Oregon landmark? Here's hoping, truly, that someone with a deep appreciation for its heritage and a clear vision for its future steps forward. The Prospect Hotel deserves to continue its legacy, to keep welcoming travelers for another hundred years, maybe even more, preserving a tangible link to our past for generations to come. It would be a real shame to see such a significant piece of local and national history fade away, wouldn't it?