Constructed in 1875, the St. James Hotel occupies a prominent position on Main Street in Red Wing, MN. In the 1970s, a rear extension introduced an internal shopping mall encompassing the original hotel block and five adjacent structures. While functional, this addition obscured much of the streetscape and diminished the historic character of Main Street.

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This study explores the reintegration of hotel functions into the historic core while activating the storefronts along the block, which currently lack the amenity value necessary to support both the businesses and the broader downtown community. The proposed design treats each building as a distinct entity, respecting historical context, while maintaining internal connectivity for guests and visitors.

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Field verification and research guided the design, ensuring the proposed arrangement reinforces the historic essence of the buildings, supports community engagement, and integrates smoothly with existing circulation patterns.