SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Top, people pass through the lobby at the Genetti Hotel in the early 1930s.

For over a hundred years, the Genetti Hotel has been a beacon in the Williamsport skyline inviting travelers downtown. Now, it is undergoing extensive renovations that will be partially done just in time for the Little League Baseball World Series (LLWS) guests.

“I believe that once the renovations are done, it will raise the profile of the hotel and the community will be happy to get their landmark back to what a historic landmark should be,” said Stephanie Jones, director of sales at the hotel.

Those renovations are now underway on the interior and exterior of the hotel and have been partially funded by a grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. In the hotel’s sprawling lobby, noticeable changes are already visible. With the removal of the drop ceiling, the past was revealed. A damaged, but still intact, coffered ceiling saw daylight for the first time, since a fire marred it in 1951.

“It’s residual smoke and water damage. It’s the only fire that the Genetti has ever had,” said Bridget Callahan, event sales coordinator for the hotel. Callahan added that the damaged ceiling actually looks worse than it is.

The demolished drop ceiling revealed another surprise from the building’s construction in 1921. Sitting atop columns, which are still hidden behind walls, are ornate capitals.

And yet another piece of decor was found. Once the carpet was removed, small gray tiles in an intricate pattern are now on full display. Some are cracked and the grout needs to be repaired.

“We are trying to preserve as much of the tile as possible,” said Callahan.

The lobby’s remodel started a month ago and is not expected to be finished until spring 2027. Callahan said that a new front desk, new carpeting and a gift shop will be added. The gift shop will sell basic items such as toothpaste and Genetti branded merchandise.

“I would love to see a Genetti snow globe” for sale, said Callahan.

Meanwhile, the Genetti’s 205 rooms and suites are getting their own update for this year’s travelers to the LLWS..

“All the rooms are getting new paint, new carpets and new furniture,” said Callahan.

The hotel’s most noticeable renovation has been scaffolding lining the building exterior on William Street. Callahan noted comments from guests that say it gives the building a New York City feel, since scaffolding is not common in downtown Williamsport.

“We are repairing cracks and pointing and resealing around the windows,” said Callhan, who added those changes will not be so noticeable.

The renovations will not only serve hotel guests but the downtown as a whole.

“We want to become a hub again in the community,” said Callahan.

The hotel recently partnered with the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Otto Bookstore and has hosted art exhibitions for the Bald Eagle Art League for years.

“Sure we are a hotel but we will be hosting more events,” said Callahan

The Genetti is embracing its origins as a hotel built by the people for the people.

“After the golden era of lumber, a group of people bought bonds and built the hotel,” Callahan recalled. “They wanted to give people a reason to come to Williamsport.”

With the historic landmark’s rebirth, the Genetti staff is eager to see the renovations through.

Jones said, “Everybody here is excited to go through the renovation and can’t wait to reintroduce the hotel.”