Gregg Hotel
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Fate | Demolished in 1995 |
| Headquarters | Longview , United States |
| Products | Hotel accommodation |
Gregg Hotel was a lodging establishment located in Longview, Texas, constructed in 1930 and ultimately razed in 1995.
1930–1936 Hotel Gregg
Construction of the Hotel Gregg commenced with brickwork in November 1929. Upon its inauguration, the Longview Daily News hailed the event as "one of the most significant moments in the city's history," drawing visitors from East Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana.
By early 1931, fueled by the oil industry surge, the hotel experienced occupancy rates surpassing full capacity, prompting the conversion of its dining area into temporary guest rooms using partitions to meet demand.
Following the destruction of the nearby Hotel Longview by fire in 1934, which caused a shortage of accommodations, expansion proposals for the Gregg Hotel were put forward.
1936–1947 Hilton Hotel
In 1935, Conrad Hilton purchased the Gregg Hotel and immediately initiated plans for substantial enlargement, designating the original structure as an annex to a larger new building. Construction work started in March 1936.
The enlarged facility began operations on August 14, 1936, even as construction continued, and was rebranded as the Hilton Hotel.
1947–1964 Hotel Longview
Midway through 1947, ownership transferred to Tom Young and Associates from Conrad Hilton, with the hotel being renamed "Hotel Longview."
In June 1954, Earl Hollandsworth and Lee Travis took ownership, adding it to their holdings that included Tyler’s Carlton Hotel and Marshall’s Hotel Marshall.
1964–1978 Downtowner Motor Inn
On May 14, 1964, following renovations that incorporated meeting spaces and offices for Jackson Travel Agency, the Downtowner Motor Inn signage was installed. The updated hotel officially reopened on June 1, 1964.
In 1974, Earl Hollandsworth gifted the property to LeTourneau College (now LeTourneau University), which maintained its commercial use. Due to rising enrollment in 1977, approximately 40 male students were accommodated on the third floor. On May 15, 1978, the college announced plans to end commercial operations by July 15, converting the building into a dormitory with capacity for 180 men for the upcoming fall semester.
1978–1984 LeTourneau College Residence Hall
Beginning in fall 1978, the former Downtowner Motor Inn served as a residence hall for male students attending LeTourneau College. Shuttle transportation linked this downtown dormitory with the main campus on South Mobberly Avenue.
After new dormitories were built on campus, this residence hall ceased operations following spring 1984 and was subsequently placed on the market.
1984–1995 Vacant and demolition
Post-graduation in spring 1984, occupants vacated and the building was closed except for Hilton Barbershop, which remained open until July 19, 1986.
The former Downtowner Motor Inn was demolished in 1995.
List of owners and operators
- 1930–1931 Owner: Longview Hotel Company
- 1929–1931 Operator: North Louisiana Hotel Company (operating as Gregg Hotel)
- 1931–1935 Owner: Gregg Hotel Company (operating as Gregg Hotel)
- 1935–1947 Owner/operator: Conrad Hilton, Hilton Hotel Company (operating as Gregg Hotel and Hilton Hotel)
- 1947–1954 Owner: Tom Young and Associates (operating as Hotel Longview)
- 1954–1974 Owner: Earl Hollandsworth and Lee Travis (operating as Hotel Longview and Downtowner Motor Inn)
- 1974–2000 Owner: LeTourneau University (operating as Downtowner Motor Inn and LeTourneau College Residence Hall)
- 2000–present Owner: City of Longview (operating as Heritage Plaza)