Grassroots Effort Underway to Restore Historic Hotel

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 23, 2012 - Birmingham, AL (July 23, 2012) – A grassroots effort is underway to preserve and restore downtown Birmingham’s historic Thomas Jefferson Hotel (formerly Cabana Hotel, later Leer Tower). Founded by Birmingham resident Matthew Sheets, Thomas Jefferson Tower, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to restore greatness to the Birmingham landmark. “It’s a beautiful building with an amazing heritage,” says Sheets. “We can’t afford to let another Birmingham landmark crumble.”

The organization is working with community leaders to acquire the building, stop the deterioration, and take action toward a full restoration.

“We’re seeing enormous support from the Birmingham community, which is a testament to the building’s appeal,” Sheets says. “As we work to raise funds through grants and private investors, the support from the community is invaluable. We truly believe that together with the Birmingham community and its leaders, we can restore greatness to this historic landmark.”

Completed in 1929, the Thomas Jefferson stood as one of Birmingham’s most luxurious hotels. The building featured an ornate marble lobby, a large ballroom, and a rooftop mooring mast intended for use by airships. The hotel’s luxury status made it a prime spot for celebrities and distinguished guests including presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover, entertainers Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles, and sports icons Pete Rose and Bear Bryant.

Located on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 17th Street, the historic hotel sits in the heart of an area experiencing its own reviatlization. With the building’s proximity to Innovation Depot, Railroad Park, and the new baseball stadium, there is tremendous momentum only footsteps away.

More Information:

Website: http://tjtower.com
Video: http://youtu.be/KdTkUlkGE_U



Twitter: http://twitter.com/TJTower
High Resolution Photos: http://tjtower.com/photos.zip