Economic conditions were so bad in the Northwest that the building finally was placed on the tax rolls where it remained for many years. The structure has seen many lives since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. The ground floor has served as a tavern under several owners, and has it itself, due to the ornate bar fixtures reportedly shipped "round the Horn" from the East, attained historical significance. The upper two floors have long been utilized as apartments or hotel rooms.
In more modern times the building has been recognized for its historical importance and is now enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places. A complete program of renovation and restoration has been instituted and is currently ongoing. Despite a severe fire in 1982, the revitalization continues with close attention being paid to the building's historical accuracy. With its close proximity to Port Townsend Bay and its early-day, hand-operated elevator, the building has long been inaccurately associated with smuggling and "shanghaiing". In the early days, the Hill would never have allowed such practices, and by the time the building fell into disrepair, these activities were largely for from the Port Townsend scene N.D.Hill build can be seen in movies such as "An Officer and A Gentleman" in the early 1980's and "Snow Falling on Cedars" in the late 1990s.
In more modern times the building has been recognized for its historical importance and is now enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places. A complete program of renovation and restoration has been instituted and is currently ongoing. Despite a severe fire in 1982, the revitalization continues with close attention being paid to the building's historical accuracy. With its close proximity to Port Townsend Bay and its early-day, hand-operated elevator, the building has long been inaccurately associated with smuggling and "shanghaiing". In the early days, the Hill would never have allowed such practices, and by the time the building fell into disrepair, these activities were largely for from the Port Townsend scene N.D.Hill build can be seen in movies such as "An Officer and A Gentleman" in the early 1980's and "Snow Falling on Cedars" in the late 1990s.