Century-old Virginia House welcomes visitors again after extensive restoration

Photo: Jack Loosmann.

MIDWAY, Utah — The historic Virginia House officially reopened Tuesday following an extensive year-long restoration project. Homestead Resort and the local community celebrated the preservation of one of Midway’s most treasured architectural landmarks with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

The Virginia House, which has stood in Midway since 1886, underwent restoration to preserve its historic character while adapting to modern needs. The restoration project preserved the building’s original architectural elements while enhancing its functionality for contemporary use. Workers carefully maintained the original brick facade and stone foundation, repainted the exterior to its historic white finish, and upgraded windows and doors to honor the building’s original Federal-style design. New landscaping and an outdoor fire pit were added to create welcoming outdoor spaces that complement the historic structure.

“Restoring the Virginia House has been a labor of respect and stewardship,” said Erich Smith, general manager at Homestead. “The Homestead team is excited to share this moment in history with the community as we celebrate this unveiling.”

Built by Swiss immigrants Simon and Maria Schneitter, the Virginia House originally served as the lodging building for Schneitter’s Hot Pot Resort. The structure holds the distinction of being the only remaining Federal-style building in the area, a testament to the architectural heritage of early Utah settlement. A Federal-style house is usually square or rectangular in shape, with an emphasis on symmetry. These homes and buildings were popular following the American Revolution.

The building’s historical significance was formally recognized in 1992 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The ceremony featured remarks from both Midway’s historian and members of the Homestead property team, who highlighted the careful balance struck between preservation and modernization. The restoration demonstrates how historic buildings can be thoughtfully adapted to serve contemporary needs while maintaining their authentic character.

The Virginia House reopening represents part of Homestead’s broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience while honoring the area’s rich heritage. The building’s new role as home to the Autograph Collection Residences sales gallery reflects the resort’s partnership with Marriott International in developing luxury residential units that complement the historic mountain destination.

“The reopening of the Virginia House reflects Homestead’s commitment to preserving Midway’s heritage while reimagining its future,” said Smith. “As Homestead continues to elevate the guest experience, this historic landmark stands ready to welcome locals, residents and guests for generations to come.”

The building now houses a locally curated gift shop, community gathering spaces and the Homestead Autograph Collection Residences sales gallery, creating a welcome center for prospective homeowners interested in the luxury residential development.

For more information about Homestead’s ongoing development projects and transformation initiatives, visit homesteadresort.com/transformation.