Sketched May 30, 2012
[Click to enlarge]

Ashwood Moss, Taos Taupe, Elmira White and Graphite. Those are the new colors of West Seattle's only hotel, a 45-room motor inn built in 1960 in anticipation of the '62 Seattle World's Fair.

The old motel hasn't always sported this elegant muted palette.

Owner Lynn Sweeney, who purchased the property in 2010, said it was really run down, not the kind of place where you'd have your in-laws stay.

Sweeney, 41, gave the motel a complete makeover and reopened it last July as the The Grove, West Seattle Inn -- rooms now have classy linens and 32" flat-screen TVs.

It was a leap of faith, she told me as we walked through the upgraded rooms, but she has no regrets. The Grove was recently named best emerging business by the local chamber of commerce and new kinds of customers are checking in: wedding groups, event visitors and even international travelers.

Just like it may have been in the heyday of the World's Fair.

Your community: What draws you in? Email me your suggestions of people and places to sketch at gcampanario@seattletimes.com

More sketches to celebrate the World's Fair 50th Anniversary:
World's Fair Bubbleator has had its ups and downs
They keep the old Monorail running

More World's Fair Anniversary coverage from The Seattle Times: seattletimes.com/worldsfair