Building A Hotel In A Ghost Town (3 Year Timelapse)

Found this channel shortly after the old hotel was lost. Shared it with my best friend and brother-from-another-mother Joff, and we watched every video each week. Swore that once the hotel was up we'd come stay. Joff passed away a year ago, to the day. You'd better believe I'm still coming up there though. Going to bring something of his so he can come too! The drive to succeed in making Cerro Gordo live has driven me in my desire to change my life's direction. I have learned the skills I need for a new profession. Every time I watch something about this town and it's progress it spurs me on. It's not a ghost town, because it will never die if people continue to believe. I believe in Cerro Gordo.

You have had many visitors and an army or dedicated volunteers who make this drive, but until you do make the drive it is impossible to understand just how extraordinary all of this achievement is, Brent. I made the drive up in November (you were away) and I was truly humbled by what I experienced. You, your loyal posse, Dave Sparks and his and everyone who has lent a hand are living examples of what is possible when you believe. My (Cerro Gordo) hat is off to you all!

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that 3 years have passed. I’ve watched every video and it seems like months. Congratulations on your many achievements, and your refusal to give up.

Watching this video was pretty much 22 straight minutes of goosebumps. I discovered this channel within a few weeks of his first posting. As a California resident stuck in London, it helped get me through lockdown. I remember the few video tours Brent gave through the original hotel, and him being filled with such pride at the history it contained. When he posted the video he filmed after it burned down, I remember being partially in shock, and then breaking down myself when he broke down. I relate so much to what compels him and could feel his devastation. This process of rebuilding, and the global support of his followers, Dave Sparks, the entire Keeler community at large, rebuilding a road not once but twice after “once a century” floods…I’m not sure anything could more fully represent the true American spirit over the last 4 years than the rebuilding of this hotel. It means SO MUCH MORE than just walls and floors and a roof. SO MUCH MORE. You’ve got this Brent. We believe in you. We believe in the community you’ve built. And we believe in the American dream. LONG LIVE THE NEW AMERICAN HOTEL!!

Very moving video. The hard work, and emotions put into this build. The loss of the original Hotel, has brought so many people together. So many new friendships made. New stories to tell. A new special connection to Cerro Gordo. Connecting the 1800’s to the 2000’s. A true story of the ultimate resilience. Never giving up.

It’s really amazing what you have done with Cerro Gordo and the new American hotel. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’m really looking forward to the release of your book too.

Just amazing! What an effort by Brent, his financial supporters, the Angel of YouTube, Dave Sparks, and the hundreds and hundreds of wonderful volunteers making this dream happen! Great job! 👏 👏 👏

Brent, that video of losing the American Hotel still rips out my heart and I still cry when I watch you give us the devastating news. Such a glorious sight to see the new American Hotel standing proud and tall in Cerro Gordo!!! So many wonderful people brought it back to life!!

So cool to see the American hotel rising from its ashes! Amazing job! You’ve waited and worked hard to make it happen for almost three years! 🎉

Dang, what a cool journey back in time. I remember the day you drove up that mountain road in a snow storm to start your journey. You have met many amazing people to roll up their sleeves and get busy to make this happen. Team Sparks is phenomenal!!

We’ve never met, Brent. But I am still very proud of you!! You have such a rare and priceless spirit and that’s why we all watch and support you and what you’re doing. Thank you for keeping history alive and showing the world a true example of perseverance and dedication!

Wow, you and every single person involved in this mammoth project are testament to what can be achieved when we stand shoulder to shoulder. This is the stuff our ancestors were made of. I'm so proud of you, Brent, and all the team involved 👏 ❤ 👏 . Blessings from Ireland.

This is a Phoenix that you fought so hard to raise from the ashes! This rebuilding of the hotel has been nothing but amazing! In this world there are dreamers, and then those who step in to help the dreams come true! So happy for you!

Do you realize how much we care for you and your ghost town? You're an amazing man and deserve every bit of this. ❤❤❤

This is amazing, Brent! Seeing the progress, all the blood, sweat and tears put into this. Incredible. The original hotel burning down was such a gut punch! But in a way, it was a blessing. Because it has allowed you to reeeeally put your mark on things. And to create a beautiful place for people to come and visit for years to come. Everyone who has had a hand in it, the volunteers, friends and family. All coming together to create this masterpiece. It’s just amazing. Believe it or not, coming to Cerro Gordo, and especially being able to some day stay in the hotel is legit the number one thing on my bucket list. Ever since I learned of this crazy little ghost town. And you. I have been infatuated. Much and alllll the love from Massachusetts!! And hope to meet you one day and experience this beautiful hotel in person!! 🥰🥰🥰

I’ve watched this channel since the beginning. This episode was very emotional. Seeing the hard work, community & working as a team is what this country desperately needs more of. I can’t wait to spend a night in that hotel!

You are absolutely KILLING IT out there, Sir! Thank you for ALL the effort and ALL the entertainment you provide! Not to mention the history lessons! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Building a hotel to modern construction standards, in the middle of nowhere, up a dirt road in the mountains, is crazy impressive!

So so glad the hotel is almost there!!! What a journey it has been!! So inspiring. So so close it feels like now!!

The level of finesse those carpenters have is the most satisfying thing to witness. How everything fit together just so. It’s art, is what it is.