Water Street Inn Named Property of the Year

Stillwater’s was named property of the year by the Minnesota Lodging Association at its annual awards ceremony earlier this month.

The 41-room inn was designated best property in the category of 50 rooms or fewer. The Property of the Year awards are presented to properties that provide outstanding customer service and that distinguish themselves as leaders in the community and the industry.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor and to be recognized by our peers in the industry for our contribution to Minnesota’s hospitality community,” said Chuck Dougherty, owner of the Water Street Inn. “We will continue to welcome guests to the historic Water Street Inn and to the beautiful St. Croix River town of Stillwater for many years to come.” 

About the Water Street Inn

The Water Street Inn is housed in the historic Lumber Exchange Building in downtown Stillwater.

Built in the 1890s by lumber barons during the boom years of logging on the St. Croix River, the structure was equipped from the beginning with modern heating, plumbing, electricity and one of the first elevators in the state.

The building featured 10 large walk-in vaults, which were used to house the wealth of the rich lumber families. Over the years, the building has been home to a variety of companies.

In 1994, three local innkeepers worked closely with the Minnesota Historical Society and National Trust to restore the building’s historical qualities and begin converting it to a lodging establishment.

The Lumber Baron’s Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Center opened in 1995. Part-owners Chuck and Judy Dougherty bought out their partners in 2003 and renamed the business the Water Street Inn.

The inn features 41 guest rooms, all with double whirlpool baths and most with fireplaces, along with fine dining and casual dining restaurants, a pub and banquet/meeting rooms for up to 300 people.

A $1 million renovation of the ballroom and guest rooms was recently completed.

Owners Chuck and Judy had previous experience in the lodging industry, owning the Rivertown Inn B&B in Stillwater from 1987 to 1999. In 1993, they purchased another historic home in Stillwater, which they renovated and operated as the Cover Park Manor. They continue to run the manor, where they live with their four daughters.