Address: 745 North River Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Date Built: 1911

First Occupant: Gibson Hotel

Current Occupant: Flat Iron Airbnb

Sandstone Quarry: Unknown

Architect: Unknown

Contractor: George Gibson

Architectural Style: The broadside Gibson House, or Flat Iron building, resembles a peninsula surrounded by streets on three sides. Because of the odd shaped lot, the architect was faced with a difficult design. But, the result was an attractive two-story, quarry-faced stone structure that serves as the northern entry point to downtown Hot Springs. Fenestrations for this building (the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations) show that the building served as an apartment house. Other features include a denticulated cornice and large foundation stones supporting the building weight.

History: George Gibson and family owned and conducted the Minnekahta Hotel from early in 1905 until the early morning hours of January 2, 1911. A fire engulfed the entire structure and the only item saved was the piano that was near the front door. Gibson was known to be one of the oldest settlers in Hot Springs and was held in high regard. Fred T. Evans brought Gibson to Hot Springs as a young contractor during the boom days of the 1890's and early 1900's. Following the devastating fire, George Gibson soon reached agreement with Mrs. Fred T. Evans and became the owner of the two lots on River Avenue, just below the incline walk to the Sanitarium. It was known at the time as "the old flatiron," and was excavated several years prior with the foundation laid, but the planned hotel had never been built. Gibson soon erected the hotel structure which was 16.5' x 60' x 50' x 41', two stories high and made of sandstone. The Gibson Hotel opened in September 1911 enjoying a brisk business. It became well known as one of the most popular eating houses in the Black Hills. By March of 1922, Gibson was under construction of a 30' x 50' extension to the structure with the purpose of creating five well-appointed and roomy apartments. Furnace heat, and hot and cold running water throughout the structure was built into the building including several baths and toilets. The addition used the same local sandstone as was used in the original construction. By that time the locals referred to the location as Gibson Corner. By the end of July 1922, the apartments were nearing completion and a wide veranda was extended onto the south side of the building. In May of 1936 the apartments were renovated and modernized, and in April of 1946 the Gibson House was sold by the late George Gibson's estate. Gibson donated his homestead to the Evergreen Cemetery Association.

QR Code info: George Gibson reached agreement with Mrs. Fred T. Evans and became the owner of the two lots on River Avenue, just below the incline walk to the Sanitarium. It was known at the time as "the old flatiron," and was excavated several years prior with the foundation laid, but the planned hotel had never been built. Gibson soon erected the hotel structure which was 16.5' x 60' x 50' x 41', two stories high and made of sandstone. The Gibson Hotel opened in September 1911 enjoying a brisk business. It became well known as one of the most popular eating houses in the Black Hills. In 1922, Gibson was under construction of a 30' x 50' extension to the structure with the purpose of creating five well-appointed and roomy apartments. Furnace heat, and hot and cold running water throughout the structure was built into the building including several baths and toilets. The addition used the same local sandstone as was used in the original construction. By that time the locals referred to the location as Gibson Corner. A wide veranda was extended onto the south side of the building. In April of 1946 the Gibson House was sold by the late George Gibson's estate