About Us
History of The Willis Park Hotel
Belcher Building (1899)—The Willis Park Hotel (2021)
The Belcher Building — Bainbridge, GA
Built in the late 1800s, the Belcher Building was one of Bainbridge's original commercial anchors and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After sitting vacant for decades, the building was purchased in 2018 and painstakingly restored over three years to become The Willis Park Hotel.
The hotel occupies the building's second floor and retains the architectural details that define it: a century-old stained-glass window salvaged from an Alabama church, 1903 stained-glass doors from France, dual skylights, a custom double spiral staircase with catwalk, a reading nook, and original structural elements throughout.
Nancy Bahnsen owns and operates the Willis Park Hotel today, alongside the adjacent Water Street property currently under restoration. Her focus is long-term — keeping both buildings operational, historically intact, and woven into the fabric of downtown Bainbridge.
The Willis Park Hotel—Ownership (2023— Present)
The Willis Park Hotel — Current Ownership (2023–Present)
In 2023, The Willis Park Hotel was acquired by Nancy Bahnsen. Nancy brings a career built on national-scale operations and service management, with a lifelong inclination toward community investment and giving back — hospitality with genuine heart behind it.
Nancy's focus since acquiring Willis Park has been operational excellence and long-term growth for Bainbridge's hospitality landscape. That vision extends beyond a single property. A second historic downtown Bainbridge building is currently under renovation — the future home of Willis on Water St and Café Sinclair, which is planned to be relocated there.
The Willis Park Hotel remains the anchor of that vision: a proven, character-rich property that continues to welcome guests to one of Georgia's most underrated small cities.
The Willis Park Hotel—Original Owners (2018—2023)
The Thomas Family
Tyler and Heather Thomas are a husband-and-wife team passionate about hospitality. In 2017, they made their dream a reality when they opened their restaurant, The American, on the town square of Bainbridge, Georgia. Thanks to its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and friendly service, The American quickly became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
In 2018, Tyler and Heather purchased the historic Willis Park Hotel, which was built in 1899. They spent the next three years lovingly restoring the hotel, incorporating unique design elements that reflect its history. The Willis Park Hotel opened its doors in 2021, quickly becoming a popular destination for guests looking for a unique and special place to stay.
Tyler and Heather are committed to providing excellent service and creating a memorable experience for their guests. They are proud to be part of the Bainbridge community and excited to continue to share their love of hospitality with others.
In 2023, Tyler and Heather sold The Willis Park Hotel to new owners committed to continuing the hotel's legacy of providing excellent service and creating a memorable experience for guests. Tyler and Heather are excited to see what the future holds for The Willis Park Hotel, and they are confident that the new owners will continue to make it a popular destination for years to come.