After years of struggles, the owner of the St. James Hotel announced on Tuesday that the historic property on Water Avenue will close on Aug. 23.
Jim Lewis, ownership principal of Rhaglan Properties, bought the hotel for $400,000 in 2019 and invested $5 million to renovate it into 40 rooms. It reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in early 2021.
Lewis told the Black Belt News Network he is saddened to see the St. James close. “I really believe in Selma.” He added that he is hopeful that in the near future the St. James will reopen. “I hope to see it be a success in the future.”
At one point, the St. James Hotel was part of the Hilton Hotel chain. Its Sterling restaurant has opened and closed several times over the years, and management companies also came and went.
"We are deeply saddened to share that the historic St. James Hotel will close its doors on August 23rd," the hotel firm Spire Management Company said on social media. "Since first opening in 1837, the St. James has welcomed an extraordinary range of guests—from the infamous Jesse James to Civil War soldiers and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. This was not an easy decision, and our hope remains that one day the St. James will once again be restored to the prominence and legacy it so richly deserves."
Watch a video from the opening in 2021 here and other St. James videos here.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
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