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 Dallas Haas was interested in the Archer House, which was long-time known as the Stuart Hotel, for a number of years.
After renovating and completing the Nutting Mall on the south side of the hotel, Dallas found himself in a predicament. He had created a building with such a large retail and office population that the occupants, customers, and clients were overflowing and trespassing onto the hotel's property and parking lot.
Dallas was approached by several people to purchase the hotel and possibly renovate it such as other inns and hotels have been.
Dallas clearly let it be known that he was not interested. But the trespassing continued and people became more persistent that he purchase it. Finally, he did complete the purchase of the hotel in May of 1981.
Then reality began to set in: He had purchased a more than 100-year old building containing more than 15,000 square feet with 30 hotel rooms and about two-thirds of them in a so-called operating condition. Along with it came the Jefferson Bus agency and a couple of retail spaces.
Within the first year he began to restore the first floor space making available four retail spaces in the north end of the building.
In the second year Dallas proceeded finishing the balance of the first floor making way for more retail spaces. The lower level had been transformed into a unique tavern and restaurant.
Finally, in February 1984, Dallas decided to proceed with the restoration of the 15 rooms located on the second floor with each room having a different flavor and personality at its completion. That same summer the lobby and office area was completed.
Restoration of the third floor followed with the same interest to detail and restoration.
 The total project has played a vital part in the revitalization, restoration and, most of all, the preservation of the Northfield downtown business district.
Dallas Haas unexpectedly passed away in the fall of 1995. The community of Northfield is indebted to his efforts in saving this hotel and this part of the downtown. The hotel was purchased from the estate of Dallas Haas on December 31, 1996. Three Northfield families formed a corporation and managed the operation of the Archer House for about four years.
Recently this partnership changed. The current owners, Brett and Michele Reese, and Jennifer and Rick Greene are looking forward to the challenge of upgrading the Archer House and keeping the hotel a vital part of downtown Northfield. Thank you Dallas!
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