Rapid City, SD – The historic Hotel Alex Johnson has reached a major milestone in its ongoing renovation project, with the newly remodeled eighth and ninth floors now reopened.
The reopening marks the first completed phase of a multi-floor renovation aimed at modernizing guest accommodations while preserving the character and charm that have defined the downtown Rapid City landmark since it opened in 1928.
Liv Hospitality CEO Caleb Arceneaux said the renovation balances modernization with preservation.
“Our goal is to preserve the historic spirit of the Hotel Alex Johnson while introducing elevated, contemporary touches that today’s travelers expect,” Arceneaux said. “Opening the eighth and ninth floors is an exciting step forward in this transformation.”
Renovation work is progressing from the upper floors downward, with the full guestroom renovation project remaining on schedule for completion by March 2026. Updates include redesigned interiors, elevated finishes, and upgraded in-room amenities designed to enhance comfort while honoring the hotel’s signature aesthetic.
Front Desk Manager Masen Noor said the renovations represent a major step forward for the historic property.
“These renovations really showcase a new age for the hotel,” Noor said.
Noor said technology and connectivity were a key focus of the upgrades.
“The new rooms offer a lot more connectivity,” he explained. “We’ve installed smart TVs with Netflix and other streaming services, which is something guests expect now. It really brings a fresh, modern atmosphere into the space.”
Beyond aesthetics, Noor said functionality and guest comfort drove the redesign.
“A big reason we undertook the renovation was to better maximize space for our guests,” he said. “With a hotel that was built in the 1920s, the layout is very different from modern buildings, so we’ve been able to open up smaller spaces using newer, modular design approaches.”
Noor said the updated rooms were intentionally designed to feel welcoming.
“The way I like to describe these rooms is ‘cozy,’” he said. “Even the smaller rooms feel comfortable and thoughtfully designed.”
According to Noor, the contrast between renovated rooms and older floors is immediately noticeable.
“When you see the new rooms and then compare them to the older floors, the difference is night and day,” he said. “The updates really elevate the overall guest experience.”
Noor also highlighted renovations to the hotel’s iconic Presidential Suite.
“We’re particularly proud of the Presidential Suite,” he said. “It brings in the modern aesthetic we’re aiming for, but it still keeps that silver-screen, golden-age feel that fits the history of the hotel.”
He added that the suite remains one of the most popular accommodations downtown.
“During the summer, it’s booked day in and day out,” Noor said. “Guests love that it feels more like an apartment than a traditional hotel room.”
Maintaining the hotel’s historic character remained a priority throughout the renovation, Noor said.
“The goal was to modernize without losing the character that makes the Alex Johnson such a landmark,” he said.
As additional floors are completed, Hotel Alex Johnson will continue sharing renovation updates with the community and local media throughout the multi-month project.
