03. Fireproof Construction

The plans for the San Marcos Hotel called for a fireproof building made out of reinforced concrete.  This required massive amounts of concrete, stone, and steel which was delivered from across the West.  The stone and concrete was delivered by the Southern Pacific Railroad.  Colorado Fuel and Iron Works in Pueblo, Colorado, was unable to keep up with the demand for steel, which led to major delays in construction.  Some materials came from local companies such as the Chandler Lumber Company and the Chandler Brick Yard.

Open

The photo above shows the rock crushing machinery at work creating concrete.
Accession #: 87-8-13
Gift of: City of Chandler

Open

Workers construct the distinctive ribbed ceiling of the hotel’s second floor.
Accession #: 87-8-18
Gift of: City of Chandler