City to tear down Governor’s House Hotel & Convention Center
The City of Montgomery plans to tear down the old Governor’s House Hotel & Convention Center, which had once been a shining jewel for travelers, politicians and business leaders.
But the hotel had long since been in decline before finally closing its doors.
“This property has been abandoned for some time,” said Chief Building Official Marcus Dean. “It is just one of several properties that we have identified as part of a comprehensive commercial demolition plan.”
Built in 1965, the hotel was once a premiere destination in the area and featured 197 guest rooms, meeting and convention space, a nine-hole golf course, horse-back riding stables, a restaurant, a lounge and a swimming pool built in the shape of the state of Alabama. Plenty of political campaign parties and other large events were held at the hotel over the decades.
As Action 8 News reported in 2022, the city bought the property on East South Boulevard, which was already vacant. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said the city paid the state $100 for it.
The demolition is part of a larger project by the City of Montgomery to clean up blighted properties. It’s the first step in a $6 million commercial demolition plan across the city.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this particular piece of property allows for the City of Montgomery to consider future economic growth and development,” Dean said.
The property sprawls across 65,608 square feet. Demolition costs for the project are estimated to be $279,000.
Bargainer Davis and Williams Architects Associated (BDW) is the architect overseeing the project, while TOA LLC has been contracted to carry out the demolition work.
