King Edward Hotel (Jackson, Mississippi)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Real estate |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Jackson , United States |
| Products | Hotel accommodation, Residential apartments, Dining, Fitness facilities |
| Website | www |
The King Edward Hotel, initially known as the Edwards Hotel, is a landmark located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, constructed in 1923. Following nearly four decades of vacancy, the building underwent an extensive $90 million refurbishment between 2007 and 2009, reopening as a mixed-use complex that integrates the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown alongside upscale residential apartments. Onsite amenities include the King Edward Grill, King Edward Bar, Pavilion Pantry convenience store, and a fitness facility.
History
The location originally hosted the Confederate House, established in 1861 by Major R.O. Edwards, which was destroyed during the Civil War. It was succeeded by the Edwards House in 1867. The present 12-story Beaux-Arts structure, crafted by New Orleans architect William T. Nolan, debuted as the Edwards Hotel on December 29, 1923. For over forty years, it served as a central venue for social and political gatherings in Jackson.
In December 1930, Okeh Records held notable blues recording sessions within the hotel. Businessman R.E. "Dumas" Milner purchased and upgraded the property in 1954, rebranding it as the King Edward Hotel. Despite these efforts, dwindling guest numbers resulted in its closure in 1967.
The building was acquired by Standard Life in 1976, who successfully achieved its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1981, private developers bought it for $500,000; however, several restoration projects were unsuccessful amid considerations for demolition. Former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. emphasized that renovating the hotel was essential to revitalizing downtown Jackson.
Restoration commenced in December 2006 through a collaboration involving Watkins Partners, ex-NFL athlete Deuce McAllister, and Historic Restoration Inc. The hotel reopened in December 2009 featuring 186 guest rooms and 64 luxury apartments. The renovation carefully balanced Hilton’s brand requirements with preservation of historic architectural details, guided by Thomas Hamilton & Associates from Richmond, Virginia.
External links
- Towers in Mississippi
- Skyscraper hotels in Mississippi
- Hotel buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Mississippi
- Mississippi Landmarks
- National Register of Historic Places in Jackson, Mississippi
- Skyscrapers in Jackson, Mississippi
- Residential skyscrapers in Mississippi
- Hotel buildings completed in 1923
- 1923 establishments in Mississippi
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotels