The first phase of the Elevation Convening Center and Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama, has officially opened its doors. This new facility provides accommodations, dining options, and fitness amenities for visitors to the capital city. It is a key component of the larger Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) complex, enhancing the area's capacity for tourism and historical engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Phase One of Elevation Convening Center and Hotel is now open in Montgomery.
- The facility features 99 rooms, two restaurants, a library, an art gallery, a theater, and a fitness center.
- Elevation is part of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) complex, supporting its mission.
- Construction continues on the associated Montgomery Square, set to open in February.
- The project revitalized the former Hilltop Arms Apartments, built in 1950.
New Hospitality Hub in Montgomery
The Elevation Convening Center and Hotel is a significant addition to Montgomery's hospitality landscape. It is strategically located within the Equal Justice Initiative complex, near the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. This placement aims to provide convenient and comprehensive services for individuals visiting the EJI's various sites, which draw thousands of visitors annually.
The hotel offers 99 rooms, including suites, designed to provide comfort and modern amenities. Guests and community members can access several on-site facilities. These include a dedicated library area for research, a convening space for meetings and events, an art gallery showcasing various works, and a theater for performances or presentations.
Facility at a Glance
- Number of Rooms: 99 (including suites)
- Dining Options: AYA Soulful Dining, Elevation Café
- Amenities: Library, Convening Space, Art Gallery, Theater, Fitness Center
- Management: Ithaka Hospitality Group
Dining and Wellness Options
Elevation features two distinct dining establishments, both open to the public. AYA Soulful Dining offers a unique culinary experience, blending African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisines. Chef Aneesha Hargrave developed the menus, focusing on a fusion of flavors and traditions. This restaurant aims to provide a memorable meal for both hotel guests and local residents.
For more casual options, the Elevation Café serves baked items and sandwiches. It provides a convenient spot for a quick meal or coffee. These dining facilities are part of the hotel's effort to create a vibrant hub that caters to diverse tastes and needs.
"By converting an abandoned structure that has been deteriorating for decades into something beautiful, we hope to provide refuge and comfort to the thousands of people who visit our Legacy Sites and strengthen Montgomery’s economic health and cultural landscape," said Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative.
In addition to dining, the hotel provides a fitness center. This amenity is available to all hotel guests and is also accessible to community members. This highlights the project's goal of integrating with and benefiting the wider Montgomery community, offering more than just lodging.
Historical Context and Future Development
The Elevation project was first announced in 2024. It involved the transformation of the former Hilltop Arms Apartments, a structure originally built in 1950. This redevelopment represents a significant urban renewal effort, repurposing a long-vacant building into a functional and aesthetically pleasing facility. Architect Hilari Jones, Vice President and Studio Leader of HKS Architects, led the design. The renovation of this site aligns with the EJI's broader mission of revitalization and historical preservation.
The opening of Elevation marks the completion of the first phase of a larger development. Construction is ongoing for an associated art and historical project known as Montgomery Square. This significant cultural space is scheduled to open in February of next year. Montgomery Square will commemorate the pivotal years between 1955 and 1965, a decade that included the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma-to-Montgomery march.
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
The EJI is a non-profit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama. It is dedicated to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. The EJI operates several significant sites, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum, which draw visitors from around the world.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The upcoming Montgomery Square will feature sculptures and art installations. These elements will tell the stories of Montgomery residents who played crucial roles in the Civil Rights Movement. The overall complex aims to educate visitors about this critical period in American history and its lasting legacy. The combination of the hotel and the historical sites is expected to boost Montgomery's cultural tourism and local economy.
A celebratory concert, featuring musicians Branford Marsalis and Yo-Yo Ma, was planned for October 11 to mark the opening. All tickets for this event were sold out quickly, demonstrating public interest in the new venue and its cultural offerings. This early demand suggests a positive outlook for the hotel and the broader EJI complex as a destination.
Ithaka Hospitality Group, based in Auburn, will manage the day-to-day operations of the Elevation Convening Center and Hotel. This management partnership aims to ensure high standards of service and operational efficiency for the new facility.
- Historical Significance: Revitalized former Hilltop Arms Apartments from 1950.
- Architectural Design: Led by Hilari Jones of HKS Architects.
- Future Opening: Montgomery Square, an art and historical project, is set for February.
- Concert Event: Sold-out performance by Branford Marsalis and Yo-Yo Ma.
The comprehensive development underscores Montgomery's commitment to preserving its history while also investing in its future as a destination for education, reflection, and tourism. The Elevation Convening Center and Hotel plays a central role in this vision.
