A building in downtown Stillwater is much more than just a stack of bricks, it is a place where people come together and something that a small town takes pride in. There is meaning and history on every street, but change is always welcome.  Take a turn down Water Street and take a look at just that.

The Water Street Inn, or the old Lumber Exchange Building, was built in 1887 by The Union Depot and Transfer Company.  Back then, it was where wealthy lumber merchants and lawyers stayed, and later held many different offices.  Much of the original building still stands, but some changes have been made.  Coming soon will be an addition to the inn, in order to accompany its popularity.

Owner Chuck Dougherty is very excited for the addition.  He believes it will add something new to the downtown area and attract many people.

“We are not adding another level, rather an addition on the north end of the Inn. This addition will add more rooms and move the lobby area closer to the parking lot. With the new bike trails being made there will be a lot more business in the downtown area and this addition will account for that,” said Chuck.

They are making only a minor change really, but in the long run it will benefit them greatly.  Many small changes in order to add convenience and space will be added.

“We are moving the lobby to a more convenient location in the building, closer to the parking lot. There will be twenty more rooms added for guests and a few more conference rooms. These additions should attract more business,” added Chuck.

Chucks’ wife, Judy Dougherty, could not be more proud of her husband’s accomplishments.  He has made the Water Street Inn into something great, and continues to do so as it grows.

“I’m very excited! I couldn’t think of a better person to take on this project to enhance Stillwater’s downtown area. He has invested so much of himself in this business, and he has had this vision for almost twenty years. I can’t wait to see it finally finished,” said Judy.

There should be no worries about losing business while under construction.  Everything seems to be planned out perfectly around the addition and things are hopefully going to run smoothly.

“We are planning to do most of the work in the winter as to not disrupt our wedding business. We are taking the necessary precautions to keep business as normal as we can,” said Chuck.

Senior Jessica Dougherty, daughter of Chuck and Judy, is also excited about this new change.  She can’t wait to see her father’s business grow.

“I’m excited for it! I think it’s going to look really nice once it’s all done.  I can’t wait to see it all finished!  It will be an attractive addition to downtown Stillwater,” said Jessica.

With this new addition and this change, Chuck hopes to keep all the history that comes with the inn.  Although the original part of the building is not being affected, they plan to add a clock tower as a special gift to the city, being a replica of the clock tower on the old Stillwater Train Depot.  This will be part of the way that history will always stay intact, keeping the beginnings of Stillwater close to our hearts.