CFSEK Match Week · November 9–13, 2026 — gifts to SHEF's endowment share in a $100,000+ matching pool. Learn more

Historic downtown Pittsburg, Kansas

History lives here.

For more than 135 years, the Hotel Stilwell has stood at the center of Pittsburg's story. Today, this landmark is home—and its next chapter is taking shape.

Step into the story See life inside

707 North Broadway · Pittsburg, Kansas

1890Dedicated April 26
4 storiesRomanesque Revival
1980National Register listing
TodayA landmark people call home

Built for a bold young city

More than a hotel. A declaration.

At the end of the 19th century, Pittsburg was growing fast on coal, rail, and ambition. Civic leaders wanted a first-class hotel that would tell visitors and investors this city had arrived.

Railway entrepreneur Arthur E. Stilwell helped finance that vision, and the building took his name. Designed by St. Louis architects J. B. Lindsey and Son, its brick walls, limestone arches, storefronts, and grand gathering spaces made it an instant civic landmark.

Aerial view of the four-story red-brick Hotel Stilwell at Broadway and Seventh Street in downtown Pittsburg
Broadway & Seventh Street, downtown Pittsburg

A witness to history

Where Kansas met the nation.

From reformers on the balcony to state government inside its rooms, the Stilwell has been more than a backdrop. It has been part of the action.

A civic landmark opens

The Hotel Stilwell is dedicated on April 26, giving Pittsburg a first-class hotel and gathering place at the heart of a growing railroad and mining city.

Kansas government comes to the Stilwell

During a regional coal strike, Governor Henry J. Allen works from the hotel's third floor for three weeks, temporarily making the Stilwell the center of state government.

A voice in a national debate

Clarence Darrow issues a reply connected to the Scopes Trial from the hotel, adding another chapter to the Stilwell's place in American public life.

Home to glider-pilot trainees

The U.S. Army uses the Stilwell to house men training as glider pilots at Pittsburg's municipal airport.

A landmark finds new life

After its hotel era, the building is renovated into apartments—preserving the structure by giving it an enduring new purpose.

Historic character, everyday life

A home with a story in every wall.

The Stilwell pairs the scale and craftsmanship of a downtown landmark with renovated apartment interiors made for daily life.

Renovated Stilwell apartment living room with tall windows, hardwood floor, and exposed brick detail
Bright renovated apartment kitchen with white cabinetry and modern appliances
Apartment hallway with restored trim and warm neutral finishes

Renewing one room at a time.

The Foundation's long-term work is focused on returning more apartments to service while respecting the features that make the building distinct. Each completed room strengthens the community inside and the future of the landmark itself.

Stewardship in action

Preservation that protects people.

Restoration is not only about saving beautiful architecture. It is about making the Stilwell safer, more comfortable, and more useful for the people who live and gather here.

  • Life-safety improvementsGrant support has helped advance smoke-detector upgrades across the building.
  • Window renewalReplacement work in select units improves comfort while protecting the building envelope.
  • Apartment rehabilitationRooms are being refreshed and returned to active use as resources allow.
Foundation members and supporters gathered at the Stilwell during a grant celebration
Community support helps move essential building improvements forward.

Restore her glory

Give today. Keep her standing.

Every gift grows the Foundation's permanent endowment. Larger annual distributions from that fund help sustain the ongoing work of renovating every room and returning every apartment to active use.

SHEF's GiveButter campaign link is coming soon. During Match Week, gifts to the endowment may be made through CFSEK.

$18.90

The Cornerstone

A nod to 1890, the year the Stilwell opened its doors to Pittsburg.

$42

The Full House

One dollar for each of the building's 42 apartments—and a vote of confidence in filling them all.

$100

The Griffin Circle

A leadership gift for the long work of preserving the landmark and renewing its rooms.

Custom

Timmons Tribute

Choose an amount that reflects what the Stilwell's history and future mean to you.

SHEF has used GiveButter successfully for a previous campaign event and will use it again for year-round giving. During CFSEK Match Week, November 9–13, 2026, donations to SHEF's endowment share proportionally in a $100,000+ matching pool. View Match Week details at SEKGives.org.

The people behind the place

Local hands. Long view.

The Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation is guided by a volunteer board committed to protecting the building, supporting its residents, and keeping this landmark useful for generations to come.

Lynden Lawson

President

Kim Vogel

Treasurer

Jacob Anselmi

Board member

Debra Anthony

Board member

Megan Keener

Board member

Angela Meyer

Board member

Bud Benelli

Board member

John Long

Board member

Darrell Pulliam

Board member

Resident portal

Quick help for life at the Stilwell.

Use this area to access online rent payment or send the Foundation a maintenance request.

Request maintenance

Describe the issue and the Foundation team will receive your request by email.

Your request is sent to the Stilwell Foundation team through FormSubmit's email relay. Do not include payment information or other sensitive financial details.

Request sent.

The Foundation team has received your maintenance request by email. Keep your phone nearby in case someone needs more information or access details.

Still standing. Still serving.

A Pittsburg landmark with room for the future.

Hotel Stilwell707 N Broadway
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762