3609 Atwater 200901.jpg — The Hotel Atwater - A Glimpse of Catalina’s Future and Past

by Steve Tabor

Shortly after acquiring Santa Catalina Island in 1919, William Wrigley, Jr. began to leave his thump print on his beloved isle. On July 1, 1920, Wrigley opened the Atwater Hotel dedicated to his daughter-in-law, Helen Blanche Atwater Wrigley who married Phillip Wrigley, Wrigley’s son, on March 26, 1918.

Wrigley trusted southern California builder and businessman, R.M. Renton, with this project after he completed work at Wrigley’s residence in the City of Pasadena. When completed the hotel sat on one square block just steps from the Green Pleasure Pier. Originally, the three story hotel featured 12 rooms with bathrooms, and the other rooms shared bathroom facilities spaced throughout the floors of the hotel.

The hotel featured a ground floor cafeteria that could seat 1,500 diners. At the time it was the largest cafeteria in the world. A year later the facility was converted to, as it remains today, shops, a post office, and arcade.

During World War II, the island became a training base for the military and related services. Many of the island’s facilities and buildings were converted for use by the military and related services. The country club, the Chicago Cubs baseball field and the Casino served as training facilities. The Merchant Marines used the Atwater as their living quarters during their time on the island. Following the War, the Atwater resumed its operation and served as home to many of the island’s visitors. To increase visitor comforts, bathrooms were added the guest rooms to replace the shared facilities.

Over the years, some renovations were completed. The hotel property no longer sits on one square block, but it remains an island landmark. In 1995, the south facing rooms were remodeled and two suites were added. In 2019, the Atwater prepared for its centennial celebration by conducting a complete renovation that pays tribute to Helen and the Wrigley family legacy, but with a contemporary flair.

The hotel’s lobby prominently features Helen’s harp and accordion. Helen’s love of flowers is displayed with lobby vases containing red carnations. To celebrate her memory and her nightly tradition of a glass of bubbly before bed, the hotel hosts a nightly wine reception. The Wrigley safe, near the front desk and now permanently opened, contains books detailing Wrigley family history as well as board games. Art in the lobby invokes a glimpse of the island’s history and romantic past.

Hotel suites feature king beds, one and half baths, a living space with a sleeper sofa, a bar and a desk. The suites feature views of the Avalon Bay, the City of Avalon or the mountains surrounding the city. Standard rooms feature king or queen beds with sink area, bathroom, and clothes storage area.

All rooms have premium mattresses, fine linens, mini refrigerators, high speed Wi-Fi, smart televisions, and digital concierge tablets. The hotel does have an elevator and is ADA compliant. Information about ADA complaint accommodations can be found on the hotel’s website. The hotel does not allow pets or emotional support animals, but service animals are permitted with proper documentation.

The hotel charges a $30 destination fee which is subject to change, but currently includes:

· $40 food/beverage credit for Descanso Beach Club, Bistro at the Atwater or Two Harbors

· Glass Bottom Boat Voyage

· Use of bicycles

· Two splits of sparkling wine

· Use of beach towels

· Luggage transfer service to/from the Ferry Terminal

· Wi-Fi

The Atwater does have rooms available for group gatherings such as meeting and events.

Room rates start at approximately $220 per night. Saturday night stays usually require a two night stay minimum. Package stays are available including hotel and transportation.

There’s more to the Story

David Malcolm Renton was a southern California builder and businessman born on Prince Edward Island in 1878. At the age of 16, he moved to Massachusetts and became a construction apprentice. He moved to the City of Pasadena in 1902 and became a partner in a building company, Upton, Ellsworth and Renton. Later, he left the company and became a general contractor. As a contractor he became known for his craftsman style and bungalow style homes built in the Pasadena area.

In 1904, Renton built the Mt. Wilson Observatory Tower that housed a 60-inch telescope and housing units for the astronomers working at the facility. He also built forty bungalows and a hotel for the Mr. Wilson Toll Company.

In 1919, Wrigley recruited Renton for his projects on Santa Catalina Island. During his time on Catalina, Renton constructed the Atwater Hotel, Mt Ada, Thompson Dam, the Wrigley Memorial, El Encanto, the Casino Ballroom, Catalina Pottery and a zinc and copper mine at Blackjack Mountain.

Renton served as the Vice President of the Santa Catalina Island Company and the Wilmington Transportation Company from 1919 until his retirement in 1936. From 1931 to 1942, he served as President of Wilmington Catalina Airlines.

At the time of his death in 1947, Renton lived at his ranch, Rancho Santa Catalina, in Atascadero, California.

Resources:

Santa Catalina Island Co.

Santa Cruz Island Foundation www.ISLAPEDIA.com

Wikipedia

Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.