Community reacts to closing of Historic St. James Hotel in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The announced closure of the historic St. James Hotel this weekend — has stunned people in and around the Selma community.

A stack of plywood boards is now sitting outside of the hotel.

The closure will leave a huge void on Water Avenue — east of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

“It’s a shame that they’re closing again so soon. And it’s probably going to put a few people out of jobs and everything. So, it’s a bad situation you know, just sad,” said Brian Gibson.

The historic hotel has changed hands several times over the last few years.

It was owned by the city — then became a Hilton property until recently going independent.

“Many times as I go by there you don’t see that many cars. And they can’t survive without occupancy you know. If you don’t rent the rooms, you can’t make no money,” said Robert Turner of Al’s Towing & Recovery.

The closing will leave a huge void on Water Avenue — east of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.