Stora Hotellet

At Rådhusparken, clearly visible from the river that was the most important communication channel of that time, the Umeå shipping office erected a building containing office quarters and a hotel. It also contained a dining room, coffee shop, billiard parlour and banquet hall with bandstand. In a typically festive neo-Renaissance style, the facade is characterised by symmetry and a contrasting, unconventional colour choice.

The architect was Viktor Åström. He is not very well known at the national level but has left a significant mark on the urban landscape in Skellefteå, Umeå and especially Piteå. Åström designed the now demolished Åkerblomska building in old Norse Shingle style and the villa of Colonel Helmer Huss still standing on Västra Norrlandsgatan.

Källa: Umeå kommun
Foto: Pål Castell
Text: Lena Tengnér