About Us
History of The Willis Park Hotel
Belcher Building (1899)—The Willis Park Hotel (2021)
Historic Belcher Building, Bainbridge, GA
This historic property sat vacant for decades before Tyler and Heather Thomas purchased it in 2018. The couple saw the potential in the property. They spent three years lovingly restoring it to become The Willis Park Hotel.
The original owners carefully implemented design elements that brought something new and fresh to the rural region, such as a one-hundred-year-old stained-glass window salvaged from a church in Alabama, historic stained-glass doors from France made in 1903, dual skylights, a reading nook, custom architectural double spiral staircase with catwalk, Gemsboks, and more.
The hotel is on the second floor of the original Belcher Building. The Belcher Building was once a thriving commercial hub in Bainbridge, Georgia, and it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tyler and Heather Thomas were proud stewards of this historic property. Their commitment to preserving its history also created a new and exciting destination for visitors to Bainbridge.
The Willis Park Hotel is now owned and operated by Nancy Bahnsen. Nancy is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence that Tyler and Heather established — preserving the hotel's history while bringing fresh energy and a long-term community vision to this landmark property.
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.