Restoration Work Begins on Historic A.G. Gaston Motel
Work has begun to restore the motel that was a key location for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and others during the civil rights movement, officials announced Wednesday. The A.G. Gaston Motel is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, designated by President Barack Obama in 2017. The city expects the renovations to be complete by December 2021.
Retired Birmingham educator Odessa Woolfolk remembers when the A.G. Gaston Motel had a lounge and a restaurant. It was the only local motel for blacks before the civil rights movement forced integration of public accommodations.
The Rev. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders including the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and the Rev. Ralph Abernathy often used Room 30 to strategize for the movement. It was bombed in May 1963 but later repaired.
The motel closed in the 1970s, and it has been boarded up for decades. Now, crews are inspecting the building to determine the best way to restore it. An architect specializing in historic preservation is assisting with the restoration.
The $10 million restoration is part of a partnership with the National Park Service and the City of Birmingham.
Woolfolk, Mayor Randall Woodfin and Council President Valerie Abbott were among the speakers at a press conference Wednesday to talk about the project.
“We’ve been waiting, as a the councilor said, a long time,” Woolfolk said. “And I’m hoping I’m still around when this is done.”
Woolfolk said the motel is significant because of its rich history and the lessons it can teach visitors.
Birmingham businessman A.G. Gaston opened the motel in July 1954.
“We’re going to reminisce about the past, but that’s only because the past is a springboard to a greater future,” Woolfolk said.
In addition to the its role in the civil rights movement, the motel was also a social gathering place for dinners, wedding receptions and celebrity performances.
Woodfin wants people to share their A.G. Gaston Motel memories by sending photos and other information to gastonstories@birminghamal.gov by May 15.
‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat
Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable
Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
