Marshal Hotel to embody history as destination stay

An iconic downtown bank building will soon have a new identity that captures the western spirit of Dodge City, Kansas.

On April 9, the Dodge City Commission voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with New West Hotels LLC, to develop the former First National Bank and Trust Co. building, 619 N. Second, Ave., to develop the 55-room Marshal Hotel. The parent company of New West Hotels is Noble Hospitality, LLC.

The commission had selected the Carnegie Center for the Arts, which was across the street, to have a special meeting to seal the deal.

The City of Dodge City, the owner of the bank building since 2024, has an investment of $877,000, which includes the $480,000 purchase price plus $337,000 for interior demolition and asbestos abatement. The City contributed $60,000 in 2025 to have the mural restored.

Stan Herd’s stagecoach mural adorning the south side of the building will remain a signature outdoor piece for the Marshal Hotel. “The mural is definitely staying,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez.

The agreement calls for New West Hospitality to pay $800,000 to purchase the building from Dodge City. The developer will also use several financial incentives the City offers to help the project’s feasibility, and developer will maintain the building’s structural integrity, attractiveness, and make sure electrical and plumbing codes are met.

The bank building was built in 1930 and has 42,152 square feet across five floors, a mezzanine and a basement.  The property was acquired by Bank of America in 1994 and ultimately closed in 2014 and has largely remained vacant with limited use for professional offices.

The building is considered a contributing structure within the Dodge City Downtown Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hernandez said in 2025 the commission had directed staff to explore options including a request for proposals for the bank building and that included started with four inquiries that were narrowed to three before selecting New West Hotels as the finalist.

Mayor Michael Burns said one of the questions he and other commissioners had was how long the investors and management group planned to stay in Dodge City.

Terry Thom, chief financial and operations officer for Noble Hospitality, said the owners and management group likes to permanently retain successful properties for many years. He was enthusiastic about the downtown location because it is unique, particularly in comparison to other markets.

Burns said the bank building represented a historical legacy to Dodge City and now will have a new chapter. The project shows a commitment to preserving and honoring history while building a new legacy.

Burns thanked past and current commissions and staffs who always believed in the importance of having a revitalized downtown. He also thanked citizens and taxpayers who provided input and asked thoughtful questions.

He also appreciated their patience. Over the past 10 years more than $30 million has been invested in the downtown area for the public and private sectors and he believed that with the Marshal Hotel development it will spur another $30 million “in the next few years.”

The projects show what happens when public and private sectors work together and the mayor encouraged businesses, entrepreneurs and building owners to continue the momentum that truly tells the story of the historic downtown.

Joann Knight, executive director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, had shown the developers multiple sites, and she appreciated their willingness to look outside the box and look at the former bank building and its potential.

“We greatly appreciate your investment in our community,” she said.

The ownership group and management group includes local investors who currently own and operate the Holiday Inn Express in Dodge City.

Thom said the historical tie to downtown was an important selling point, and he knows that expectations should be high for the community and guests. He notes other operations in their group have a standing rule to hold themselves accountable to a high standard.

“We look forward to opening the hotel as soon possible,” he said.

The Marshal Hotel will have a brand alignment with the Outset Collection by Hilton, that offers a “indie-hotel” approach that has a link to strong local identity and architectural character. Characteristics include a story-rich and preserving the authenticity of their setting, a conversion-friendly with flexible design standards and working within Hilton’s strength in incentives and amenities.

Hernandez said other improvements, including additional parking spaces near the hotel are in the planning phases. Dodge City has been able revitalize downtown by using STAR bonds in the downtown historic district. Investors purchase the bonds and debt is repaid using future state and local sales taxes revenue generated in the district.

The districts have been so successful bonds are being able to be repaid quicker than and that means additional dollars can be leveraged to help other projects in the benefit district.

After the public presentation, Jeff Macko, vice president of operations for Noble Hospitality, based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, with an office in Manhattan, Kansas, said the project is in the design phase, but it typically takes 12 to 14 months to be operational. The building is in good condition, he said, thanks to the work of Dodge City, and that shortens the timeline.

Macko said investors and Noble Hospitality are excited about the project because Dodge City has a such a wealth of western history that narrowing it down for the new hotel will make it a fun challenge for developers who want to not only meet but exceed the expectations of guests.

Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].