Built in 1923, this is the hotel that withstood that years 8.3 magnitude earthquake, taking only cosmetic damage. The hotel stood for nearly 50 years before constant earthquakes, alluvial mud and advanced, safer, earthquake-resistant technology mandated it be rebuilt. The facade and pond were re-located, and stand as monuments to the magnificent original building. It was this earthquake and this building that inspired one of architecture’s most famous telegrams. Baron Kihachiro Okura sent it after the massive earthquake, and Wright was quick to let it slip into the hands of American journalists:
Hotel stands as monument to your genius. Congratulations.
