Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
On a quiet evening the day after Christmas, a sudden fire broke out at the historic Steamboat Inn in Jefferson, Texas, owned by Lana and Alex Mushik. The inn, known for its charm and hospitality, faced a devastating loss but is now on a path to recovery and renewal. Lana Mushik recounts the night of the fire, the immediate impact, and the hopeful future of their beloved inn.
The evening of the fire was relatively calm. The inn had fewer guests than usual, as many people were still home for the holidays. David, the Inn Caretaker, was playing guitar in the front room with another guest. Suddenly, a loud, metal-like boom echoed through the building, followed by the unmistakable smell of smoke.
“David saw smoke and opened the laundry door, only to be met with thick, heavy smoke,” Lana recounts. “He dropped to his knees and escaped the building.”
The fire caused significant damage to the Steamboat Inn, particularly the laundry area. “We lost so much,” Lana laments. “All our Christmas decorations, including those from Ukraine, were gone. It was heartbreaking.”
In addition to personal losses, the inn’s immediate future was affected. All bookings from January through mid-September had to be canceled.
Amidst the devastation, some cherished elements of the inn were salvaged. “We’re saving the original cedar floors, at least in the main building where the fire didn’t reach,” Lana explains. “We’re also preserving a lot of the original woodwork, such as fireplace mantels, medallions, door frames, and more. These features are so important to the character and history of the inn.”
The Mushiks are not just restoring the inn but also making thoughtful improvements. The new layout will enhance guest experiences while maintaining the inn’s historic charm. “We’re opening up the dining room area more and connecting the back bedrooms to the main house,” Lana describes. “We’ll still have our classic clawfoot tubs, but we’re adding showers in other rooms for convenience.”
The remodeling plans include preserving as much of the original structure and décor as possible. “Keeping the original floors and woodwork is important,” Lana says. “It’s about maintaining that historical feel while making necessary upgrades.”
Despite the initial shock and grief, Lana and Alex Mushik are now feeling a sense of excitement about the future. “In the beginning, it was terrible. We were just in shock,” Lana admits. “But now, we’re looking forward to reopening and welcoming guests again.”
The estimated timeline for reopening the Steamboat Inn is set for the Fall. The Mushiks are determined to come back stronger, with an inn that retains its historical roots while offering modern comforts.
The fire at the Steamboat Inn was a tragic event, but it has also become a story of resilience and renewal. Lana and Alex Mushik, with their commitment to preserving the inn’s heritage and enhancing its appeal, are turning this setback into an opportunity for a fresh start. The community of Jefferson, Texas, eagerly awaits the reopening of this beloved establishment, ready to create new memories.