 The lobby, partially subdivided in a 1964 renovation, features Brazilian mahogany paneled walls, above which are a series of oil paintings by Joe Knowles depicting the early years of the settlement of western North America, including depictions of the Marcus Whitman expedition rafting the lower Columbia River and portraits of many early American notables such as John McLoughlin of the Hudson's Bay Company.Today, the historic property is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to restore it to its original glory.The Monticello Hotel opened its restored Crystal Ballroom and new Speakeasy on August 25, 2017 to a packed crowd of over 500.