El Paso in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hotel Cortez
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
1. Hotel Cortez Marker
Alzina DeGroff bought the Vendome Hotel at this site in 1899, renaming it Hotel Orndorff after her first husband. Noted architect Henry C. Trost designed a new building for her, which opened in 1926. Renamed Hotel Cortez in 1935, this brick structure reflects a Spanish eclectic style, featuring prominent cast-relief, terra cotta detailing with busts of conquistadors. Guests included President John F. Kennedy, who stayed here in 1963. The hotel closed in 1970. It was converted into offices in 1984, and the first and 10th floors were historically restored.Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12881.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 31° 45.588′ N, 106° 29.276′ W. Marker is in El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County. Marker is on North Mesa Street south of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
2. Hotel Cortez Marker
Marker is to the left of the entrance.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First United States Soldiers to Be Stationed at the Pass of the North (within shouting distance of this marker); El Paso County (within shouting distance of this marker); San Jacinto Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); El Paso's Chinese Community (within shouting distance of this marker); El Camino Real (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Sidewalk Clock (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of United States Courthouse (about 300 feet away); The Martin Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Paso.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study the marker shown.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
3. Hotel Cortez
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
4. Hotel Cortez
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
5. Hotel Cortez NRHP Plaque
Plaque is to the right side of hotel entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 912 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
