The Restoration Story of Brandt House in Alma, KS

The Brandt House restoration began with a simple belief: historic places matter.

For generations, this landmark building has stood on Main Street in downtown Alma, Kansas. Long before we imagined welcoming overnight guests, it served as a gathering place, a destination, and a familiar part of daily life in the Flint Hills.

When we purchased the property in late 2023, we weren't simply buying a building. We were becoming caretakers of a story.

As we walked through the empty rooms, we could see pieces of the past everywhere. Most of all, we could also see the potential. With thoughtful planning, hard work, and a talented team, we believed Brandt House could once again become a place where people gather, relax, and create lasting memories.

Today, the completed Brandt House restoration stands as both a tribute to history and a new chapter for boutique lodging in Alma, KS.

People often ask why we chose such an ambitious project.

The answer is simple. For us, bringing the hotel back to life means an opportunity for others to experience what we know and love about Alma, Wabaunsee County, and the Flint Hills.

We believe this region offers something increasingly rare and special. Wide-open spaces and fresh air. Quiet mornings and a chance to reset. Scenic drives across tallgrass prairie. A chance to slow down and reconnect.

We wanted to create a destination that reflected those qualities while preserving one of downtown Alma's most recognizable historic buildings.

Our vision was never to create a cookie-cutter hotel. 

Instead, our Alma, Kansas lodging offers a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. We wanted guests to experience a place with authentic character, thoughtful design, and a genuine connection to the community. 

Are you ready to start planning your escape to Alma?

Because Brandt House is a historic property, restoration required careful coordination with preservation experts.

The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service reviewed plans to ensure important historic features remained intact. Hallway widths, architectural elements, and original materials all played a role in the process.

As a historic inn restoration in Kansas, every decision involved balancing preservation with guest comfort.

Working alongside our architect and Frontier Construction of Manhattan, Kansas, we preserved the historic components while creating modern spaces for our guests.

Construction officially began in the spring of 2024.

Walls were opened. Old materials were removed. Mechanical systems were upgraded. Spaces were thoughtfully reconfigured to meet the needs of today's travelers and operate as efficiently as possible.

Like most historic home renovation projects in Kansas, surprises were part of the process.

Thankfully, we had a team that embraced challenges and understood the importance of getting things right.

Long before the first guest checks in, every hotel begins with a vision.

For us, that vision centered on creating a peaceful retreat inspired by the beauty of the Flint Hills. We began dreaming about what it would look like and how guests would feel when they walked through the door.

We partnered with interior designer Savannah Hinck (who also happens to be our cousin) to help translate that vision into a cohesive guest experience. Together, we developed a design plan that guided decisions on everything from paint colors and wood finishes to tile, wallpaper, hardware, and furnishings. 

Our goal was to create spaces that feel timeless. From the beginning ideas we posted on a mood board to the finished project, we’re thrilled with the result.

Guests will find modern comforts throughout the property, but the building's historic character remains at the center of every room.

One of our favorite stories involves the flooring.

Originally, we planned to install hardwood flooring in the common spaces and carpet in the guest rooms. Bathrooms would be tiled in a black-and-white pattern we loved. It seemed practical and familiar.

Then we started reviewing carpet samples. And reviewing more samples. And then a few more.

After weeks of deliberation, we realized something important.

We didn't really want carpet.

The more we considered the guest experience, the more we felt hardwood floors belonged throughout the hotel. It wasn't the easiest decision, but it was the right one. Today, oak hardwood flooring helps create the warm, historic atmosphere we envisioned from the start.

Throughout the Brandt House restoration, many of the best decisions happened that way. They emerged through patience, collaboration, and a willingness to listen to what the building was telling us.

Lighting ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the process. We learned that selecting light fixtures is a little bit of art and a little bit of science.

We worked with a consultant from Endacott Lighting in Manhattan, Kansas, to help guide us. Along the way, our electricians and lighting specialists helped us think carefully about how guests would move through each space. We wanted the lighting to do more than illuminate a room. We wanted it to enhance the building's historic character and contribute to the overall guest experience.

Those conversations shaped far more than guest room lighting. The plans eventually included lighting throughout the hotel as well as a sound system for the bar, restaurant, and future patio. Every decision was made with the same goal in mind: creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and comfortable.

One evening near the end of construction, we drove by and noticed the building glowing against the night sky. The lights were on.

My husband stopped and said, "I bet it's been years since the lights have been on."

The warm glow from the hotel windows felt like proof of the hotel's return.

It was a simple moment, but a meaningful one. For the first time, it felt less like a construction project and more like Brandt House once again.

One of the most rewarding parts of the project has been the people involved.

Our dad, Pete, created much of the custom woodwork throughout the hotel, including the check-in counter, guest room headboards, floating nightstands, and bar.

Every piece reflects his craftsmanship and care while keeping the lines clean and simple. His work adds a personal touch that guests will experience throughout their stay.

Another local craftsman, Nathan Taylor of TaylorMade Woodworks, created the custom gathering table in our upstairs guest lounge. The table serves as a place for coffee, conversation, games, work, and connection. A place where memories are made.

Their contributions remind us that the Brandt House restoration is ultimately a story about people.

It is about preserving skills, honoring craftsmanship, and investing in the future of our community.

During Alma's Hot Alma Nights celebration, we opened our doors while construction was still underway.

The response was overwhelming.

Former employees, longtime residents, and curious visitors stopped by to see the progress. Many shared memories of dining in the restaurant, working in the hotel, or celebrating important moments inside the building.

Those conversations taught us even more about the history of Brandt House. They reminded us that this building already held a special place in the community's heart.

In many ways, we weren't creating something new. We were helping revive something people already loved.

One blog post can only tell part of the story. If you'd like to see more of the transformation, visit our Facebook page where we've shared photos from every stage of the journey. You'll find everything from early construction and design decisions to finishing touches, opening celebrations, and the moments that brought Brandt House back to life.

Today, Brandt House offers travelers a distinctive option for Flint Hills accommodations and boutique lodging in Alma, KS.

But we hope guests discover something even more than a beautiful historic hotel.

We hope they discover the charm of Alma. They spend an afternoon exploring the Flint Hills. We hope they reconnect with family, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy a slower pace for a few days. No matter the season, Alma makes a great getaway.

The restoration may be complete, but the story continues every time a guest arrives.

While the Brandt House restoration is finished, the next chapter is just beginning. We invite you to experience this historic Kansas inn for yourself and discover why so many people fall in love with Alma, the Flint Hills, and the stories waiting here.

Start planning your Flint Hills getaway today!