 The original structure housed a general store on the first floor, and the Weatherford family upstairs.In March 1899, Weatherford began construction of a brick three-story hotel addition, with a grand opening on New Year's Day, 1900.For years, the Weatherford Hotel was the most prominent hotel in Flagstaff, entertaining guests such as artist Thomas Moran, publisher William Randolf Hearst, and writer Zane Grey.