Hotelier Earns Awards For Historic Preservation
Also Named One of "15 People to Watch"
By Shae Geary
For San Diego hotelier Gordon Hattersley, III, 2005 has been a banner year. Not only did he finally welcome his first guests at the historic Britt Scripps Inn after a 24-month restoration, but his attention to detail and “do it right” attitude have earned him numerous awards and accolades culminating with being named to an exclusive list of 15 people to watch in the west that also includes real estate mogul Donald Trump and renowned golf course architect Clive Clark.
The fall 2005 issue of Estates West, a luxury lifestyle and real estate magazine, features a list of “15 to People Watch” in the west who are making their marks on industries the magazine has deemed most important to its readers, such as hospitality and real estate. Hattersley was chosen for the list, which includes a handful of hoteliers, architects, interior designers and landscape architects.
“For this issue, we chose 15 outstanding companies and professionals whose present work and future plans are worth a long look,” writes Estates West. In the article, the magazine applauds Hattersley’s “spare no expense” approach to restoring the Inn, as well as his attention to detail in everything from the antique furniture to the way guests are greeted at the front door, instead of at a front desk.
In addition to the accolades from Estates West, Hattersley’s work on the Britt Scripps Inn has been honored by two prominent San Diego community groups. Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) San Diego presented him with the “Gift to the Street” Award as part of its 2005 People in Preservation Awards ceremony. The award acknowledges outstanding preservation efforts that benefit the community. Guidelines for the award include sensitivity to the historic integrity of the building and its site, the preservation of original historic fabric or landscape, use of historic research materials to document decisions made during the process and skill of craftsmanship.
In May 2005, the City of San Diego’s Planning Department Historical Resources Board (HRB) bestowed Hattersley with an “Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation.” The award, which is given annually to a select few, recognizes Hattersley’s excellent rehabilitative work on the Britt Scripps Inn and his dedication to historic preservation.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Gordon Hattersley, III is an experienced hotelier who first moved to San Diego to help open and operate the Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe. During his tenure with Rancho Valencia, where he served as director of sales and assistant manager, Hattersley gained vast experience in both the operational and development sides of the hospitality industry.
Following his four-year stint at Rancho Valencia, Hattersley established the successful Steamboat Bed & Breakfast in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In addition to owning and operating the bed & breakfast, he was involved in numerous real estate and development projects in the greater Steamboat Springs area.
In 2001, Hattersley purchased the landmark Britt Scripps house in San Diego. Following a 24-month restoration, he opened the Britt Scripps Inn on February 14, 2005.
Hattersley holds a bachelors degree from Colorado State University and a professional certificate from Cornell University’s development program for executives in the hospitality industry.
