The Padre Hotel

Originally built in 1928, the eight story Spanish Colonial Revival had an auspicious and flamboyant beginning in the Central Valley’s early and notorious Oil Rush days. But none quite so colorful as that of Milton “Spartacus” Miller, who purchased The Padre Hotel in 1954. Through the next 45 years, he did spirited battle with Bakersfield’s city fathers over a myriad of issues, even mounting a rooftop canon, defiantly directed at city hall with no small disdain. He died in 1999, and in 2002, an enterprising firm sought to convert the historic property into condominiums. After numerous delays over the ensuing five years, the Grand Old Dame was put back on the market. One year later, hotel and restaurant developer Brett Miller, originally from the area, joined forces with architect Graham Downes to form the San Diego based Padre Partners, LP, and purchased the property in 2008, with great excitement. Today, after an unprecedented 18 million dollar renovation in partnership with the city, the historic and now stunningly contemporary Padre Hotel has garnered well deserved respect and acclaim.