The current Elms Hotel was built by the Elms Realty Company of native stone and heavy timber opened in 1912 after fires destroyed previous locations in 1898 and 1910. The Elms Hotel remains to testify, not only to the extravagant tastes expressed by resort architecture in the Victorian age, but also to the premier role held by the town of Excelsior Springs as a popular health resort. The Elms Hotel, designed by Kansas City architects Jackson and McIlvain in the Tudor Revival style, reflects the innovations and standards of comfort that were incorporated into all “first-class” hotels of the period.

In 1998 SWD produced construction documents for a $16M complete renovation and historic restoration of 153 guestrooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a brand-new spa within the five-story hotel. In 2008 SWD again was called upon to produce construction documents for a $20M complete renovation to bring the Elms Hotel into the 21st century. With a grand reopening in the summer of 2012, The Elms Hotel & Spa stands today as a Grande Dame of Hospitality, featuring spectacular amenities. This hotel is a true survivor and stands as a magnificent tribute to the unbeatable spirit of its hometown.