The Blanche Hotel hosts its first event tonight after years of remodeling. – WCJB

LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) -- The Blanche Hotel hosted its first event tonight after years of remodeling.

Many Lake City residents say they are excited to see what the historical landmark looks like now.

After almost two years, the Lake City community was finally able to see what the Blanche Hotel looks like with millions dollars worth of renovations.

"It is beautiful, said Lake City Resident Joy Lutz. It is so that they restored it to its historical components and also updated it and its great to have it as a hub for downtown."

The hotel, built in 1902, was the first building in Florida to have an elevator.

The debut of the renovated 80,000 square-foot property was an art fundraiser for the Happy House and the Art League of North Florida.

"We just brought downtown Lake City back to life again, said IDP Properties Marketing Director Dennille Decker. I mean, bringing the balcony back on Marion Street was something that used to be here, hadn't been here for 50 plus years so that was a really big deal to the community.

Decker said the renovations to th hotel created an overall rejuvenation of a whole city block in Downtown Lake City.

"You, know and downtown's need of a hub to bring things downtown and this will definitely do that, said Lutz. It will help all of the little hubs and shops down here and get people here supporting our community."

At the end of the day, many Lake City residents say they are pleased with what the hotel looks like now and thrilled to see what the historic landmark will have in store for downtown.

Original post:
The Blanche Hotel hosts its first event tonight after years of remodeling. - WCJB