Dianne Smith: The City Hotel – Troy History
Troy‘s City Hotel Received Extensive Renovations in 1895 Under New Ownership
TROY, Alabama – A wave of improvements swept through Troy’s City Hotel in May 1895 following its acquisition by Gus Norton, a hotelier previously working in New orleans and Houston, Texas. The renovations, detailed in The Troy Messenger, aimed to modernize the establishment and enhance its appeal to travelers and residents alike.
The overhaul of the City Hotel represents a notable moment in Troy’s late 19th-century progress, reflecting a commitment to providing modern amenities and comfortable accommodations. The changes,spearheaded by Norton,demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to hospitality and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a regional hub. Today, understanding these ancient investments provides context for Troy’s ongoing efforts to balance preservation with progress.
Norton took charge of the hotel on May 1st and instantly initiated a series of upgrades. Rooms were renovated with new wallpaper and carpeting, and plans were underway to extend these improvements throughout the building.Elegant closets, modern bathtubs, and wash basins were installed, with plumbing work expertly completed by McEachern, Knox & Co.
Guests benefited from the convenience of hot and cold baths, and Norton proposed extending the second-story gallery to enhance the building’s appearance. A dedicated ladies’ entrance was added on the south side, relocating the parlor closer to the front to provide a quiet and convenient space for female patrons – a feature lauded as “one of the greatest improvements of the house.”
Further expanding the hotel’s services, Norton planned to convert a building across Academy Street into a barber shop and sample room. The Troy Messenger reported that upon completion, the City Hotel would be ”a credit to the city,” and Troy was pleased to welcome Norton as a “hustler” and new citizen.
These historical details were recently highlighted by Dianne Smith,President of the Pike County Historical,Genealogical,and Preservation Society,in a piece originally published in The Troy Messenger. Smith’s work ensures the preservation of local history and provides valuable insights into Troy’s past.