The Tutwiler Hotel's Preservation
The Tutwiler: Past, Present and Future
Robert Jemison opened The Tutwiler in 1914 to convince the American Iron and Steel Institute to have its annual convention in Birmingham. From the beginning, the hotel was not only to be the best in Birmingham, but also to compete with the best hotels in the country. It was built in a grandiose style, with a main lobby that was large and elegant. Balconies overlooked the lobby (on the inside) from two mezzanine levels. The original hotel opened with 343 rooms and also featured a “Grand Ball Room” that could accommodate 1200 people. It made Birmingham a center for meetings and conventions in the South.
The Tutwiler was located at the corner of Twentieth Street and Fifth Avenue North. The Tutwiler cemented Twentieth Street as Birmingham’s “Main Street.” The Tutwiler had lost some of its grandeur in the 1960s when a group renovated it and returned it to its original grandeur. But the facelift was not enough to save the Grand Dame of Southern hotels and as modern skyscrapers rose around the hotel, developers struck a deal to demolish the building. It was imploded in 1974 and the Financial Center building was built.
One block away, The Ridgely Apartment building was still in use. Owned by the Tutwiler Family, the Ridgely had been built at the same time as The Tutwiler. It opened its doors during the summer of 1914 as one of the grandest apartment buildings in the south.
By 1986, Mr. Temple Tutwiler believed that the time was right for The Ridgely to be transformed into a luxury hotel and he worked with developers to renovate the hotel and restore it to prominence. The Tutwiler became affiliated with Grand Heritage hotels. It eventually was flagged as a Wyndham Historic Hotel.
Birmingham’s downtown had stagnated, and the hotel was never as financially successful as developers hoped. It gradually deteriorated in quality and travelers began to turn their back on the beautiful old lady. But in the last three years, Birmingham’s downtown has enjoyed a Renaissance, like many other city centers. When the opportunity presented itself to acquire The Tutwiler Hotel in October 2005, local hotel developer Bill Murray seized the chance. Mr. Harold Rosbottom, Jr., Murray’s business partner acquired The Tutwiler and Murray set about his vision of restoring The Tutwiler to its position of prominence in the City Center.
The Tutwiler has gone through a total transformation that began in May 2006 and was completed in April 2007. The historic architecture, such as the building’s exterior, the polished marble floors and the vaulted ceilings, are the only elements that remained the same. The interior of the building received a total makeover – with exciting new amenities such as a fitness center, a convenient suite shop and a breakfast room with a view of the city to be added.
The hotel remained open during renovations, and construction was completed one floor at a time, so guests were largely unaware renovations were taking place until they checked into their breathtaking suite on their next visit.
Bill Murray, President and CEO of Integral Hospitality, answered some questions about the renovations to preserve the historic hotel:
What changes were made?
The building was sealed and the exterior features preserved in order to protect the nearly one hundred year old structure. The beautiful windows were restored. All elevator equipment was replaced and a new ADA feature added for better accessibility. Offices were reconfigured for better guest service. Make up air was added to the corridors. Electrical capabilities were significantly upgraded. Lighting was seriously enhanced. We also upgraded the beauty of the courtyard by building landscaped traffic lanes and eliminating the jumbled parking. The best wireless high speed internet system available has been installed. Cable television wiring was totally replaced. New computer systems were installed for efficiency and service.
What amenities were added?
We’ve added a fitness room, as well as a large café area for serving hot continental breakfast every morning. We’ve added a complete business center that caters to the needs of the on-the-go corporate traveler as well as a well-stocked suite shop that offers convenience items right on site. Meeting space has been refurbished to provide the technology necessary to attract business meeting planners.
How will changes affect the historic nature of the hotel?
Obviously, the historic design of the hotel was extremely important to us and to our customers, and we focused on maintaining the hotel’s historic charm during the renovations. Basically, it is a new hotel inside its historically significant and stunning shell.
Have you considered changing the name of the hotel?
Rest assured, the hotel will always be The Tutwiler, in spirit and name.
Is the Tutwiler still a full-service hotel?
Absolutely! The hotel offers all of the same amenities and services that it offered before along with some new ones. The restaurant was leased to Geoff Slate and Alan Dobbs of Restaurant G fame. Their signature restaurant, icon, has been added to the stellar list of fine dining opportunities available in our city. Travelers receive valet parking, a doorman, bell service, a Concierge, shuttle service, twenty four hour room service, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room.
Robert Jemison opened The Tutwiler in 1914 to convince the American Iron and Steel Institute to have its annual convention in Birmingham. From the beginning, the hotel was not only to be the best in Birmingham, but also to compete with the best hotels in the country. It was built in a grandiose style, with a main lobby that was large and elegant. Balconies overlooked the lobby (on the inside) from two mezzanine levels. The original hotel opened with 343 rooms and also featured a “Grand Ball Room” that could accommodate 1200 people. It made Birmingham a center for meetings and conventions in the South. The Tutwiler was located at the corner of Twentieth Street and Fifth Avenue North. The Tutwiler cemented Twentieth Street as Birmingham’s “Main Street.” The Tutwiler had lost some of its grandeur in the 1960s when a group renovated it and returned it to its original grandeur. But the facelift was not enough to save the Grand Dame of Southern hotels and as modern skyscrapers rose around the hotel, developers struck a deal to demolish the building. It was imploded in 1974 and the Financial Center building was built.
One block away, The Ridgely Apartment building was still in use. Owned by the Tutwiler Family, the Ridgely had been built at the same time as The Tutwiler. It opened its doors during the summer of 1914 as one of the grandest apartment buildings in the south.
By 1986, Mr. Temple Tutwiler believed that the time was right for The Ridgely to be transformed into a luxury hotel and he worked with developers to renovate the hotel and restore it to prominence. The Tutwiler became affiliated with Grand Heritage hotels. It eventually was flagged as a Wyndham Historic Hotel.
Birmingham’s downtown had stagnated, and the hotel was never as financially successful as developers hoped. It gradually deteriorated in quality and travelers began to turn their back on the beautiful old lady. But in the last three years, Birmingham’s downtown has enjoyed a Renaissance, like many other city centers. When the opportunity presented itself to acquire The Tutwiler Hotel in October 2005, local hotel developer Bill Murray seized the chance. Mr. Harold Rosbottom, Jr., Murray’s business partner acquired The Tutwiler and Murray set about his vision of restoring The Tutwiler to its position of prominence in the City Center.
The Tutwiler has gone through a total transformation that began in May 2006 and was completed in April 2007. The historic architecture, such as the building’s exterior, the polished marble floors and the vaulted ceilings, are the only elements that remained the same. The interior of the building received a total makeover – with exciting new amenities such as a fitness center, a convenient suite shop and a breakfast room with a view of the city to be added.
The hotel remained open during renovations, and construction was completed one floor at a time, so guests were largely unaware renovations were taking place until they checked into their breathtaking suite on their next visit.
Bill Murray, President and CEO of Integral Hospitality, answered some questions about the renovations to preserve the historic hotel:
What changes were made?
The building was sealed and the exterior features preserved in order to protect the nearly one hundred year old structure. The beautiful windows were restored. All elevator equipment was replaced and a new ADA feature added for better accessibility. Offices were reconfigured for better guest service. Make up air was added to the corridors. Electrical capabilities were significantly upgraded. Lighting was seriously enhanced. We also upgraded the beauty of the courtyard by building landscaped traffic lanes and eliminating the jumbled parking. The best wireless high speed internet system available has been installed. Cable television wiring was totally replaced. New computer systems were installed for efficiency and service.
What amenities were added?
We’ve added a fitness room, as well as a large café area for serving hot continental breakfast every morning. We’ve added a complete business center that caters to the needs of the on-the-go corporate traveler as well as a well-stocked suite shop that offers convenience items right on site. Meeting space has been refurbished to provide the technology necessary to attract business meeting planners.
How will changes affect the historic nature of the hotel?
Obviously, the historic design of the hotel was extremely important to us and to our customers, and we focused on maintaining the hotel’s historic charm during the renovations. Basically, it is a new hotel inside its historically significant and stunning shell.
Have you considered changing the name of the hotel?
Rest assured, the hotel will always be The Tutwiler, in spirit and name.
Is the Tutwiler still a full-service hotel?
Absolutely! The hotel offers all of the same amenities and services that it offered before along with some new ones. The restaurant was leased to Geoff Slate and Alan Dobbs of Restaurant G fame. Their signature restaurant, icon, has been added to the stellar list of fine dining opportunities available in our city. Travelers receive valet parking, a doorman, bell service, a Concierge, shuttle service, twenty four hour room service, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room.