Hotel Marshall

In the heart of Marshall, Texas, stands a testament to a bygone era of elegance and grandeur: the Hotel Marshall, now known as The Marshall Grand. This high-rise hotel, constructed in 1929, is a striking example of the architectural styles that were popular at the time, including notable Art Deco elements. The building’s storied past and its significant role in the social and economic fabric of Marshall make it a fascinating destination for visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

The Origins and Early Days

The land on which the Hotel Marshall stands was purchased on March 8, 1929, by S.B. (Sam) Perkins, a local merchant with a vision. He commissioned Wyatt Hedrick, a prominent architect, to design a hotel that would stand next to his Perkins' Brothers Store. The construction was hurried to completion to host the annual Regional Rotary Club convention, marking the beginning of the hotel's journey as a social hub in East Texas.

Despite a destructive fire in 1949 that ravaged Perkins' Brothers Store and part of the hotel, the Hotel Marshall quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive. By the mid-20th century, it had become one of the major attractions in the region, complete with an elaborate red carpet, bellhops, valets, and a shoeshine stand in the basement. The hotel's Roof Garden was a particularly popular venue, hosting numerous events and performances, although it was also a site of historical inequalities, as African American performers were often required to use the freight elevator instead of the main one.

The Golden Era

During its heyday, the Hotel Marshall was more than just a place to stay; it was the center of Marshall’s social scene. The Rotarians, Kiwanis, and Lions Club held their weekly meetings here, each taking turns on different days of the week. The Marshall Club, a private social club for some of the town’s most affluent families, had its own designated area on the mezzanine. The club members financed their own activities, including weekly bingo games and extravagant Christmas parties, maintaining an air of exclusivity and elegance.

The hotel's patio was a frequent site for fashion shows, adding to its allure as a social hotspot. However, the 1958 renovation, although intended to enhance the hotel, introduced some challenges. The removal of one of the two stoves and its replacement with a hot plate in the newly created coffee shop put additional pressure on the kitchen staff. The decision to use one of the two elevators as a freight elevator caused congestion, particularly during events, and the placement of thermostats in the hallways instead of individual rooms led to temperature control issues.

Decline and Transformation

As the years went by, the rise of motels in Marshall began to overshadow the Hotel Marshall. The management changed frequently, disrupting the smooth operation of the hotel. The once-bustling social center started to lose its charm as affluent families moved to the suburbs. The coffee shop reduced its hours, and the Roof Garden was eventually closed. Businessmen began to prefer motels over the increasingly chaotic Hotel Marshall, leading to its closure.

In 1973, East Texas Baptist University purchased the hotel with plans to use it as a dormitory for boys. However, once a new dormitory was completed, the Hotel Marshall was abandoned once again. The building went through various ownerships and restoration projects in the 1980s and 1990s, but none came to fruition. By 2000, the hotel had fallen into significant disrepair, with broken windows, deteriorating signage, and a stripped Roof Garden.

Revival and the Future

Hope for the Hotel Marshall came in the form of Jerry Cargill and Richard and Christina Anderson, who purchased the building and began extensive renovations with the help of local investors and the city commission. The entire building was gutted, and the first floor was restored, converting the lobby into a reception area and the coffee shop into a restaurant. A new elevator system was installed, and the second floor was transformed into a condominium. Floors three to eight were left construction-ready for future development.

In August 2013, Mr. and Mrs. Cargill gifted The Marshall Grand to East Texas Baptist University. The university has plans to expand its presence in downtown Marshall, utilizing The Marshall Grand for various purposes, including adding a popular coffee shop. The first floor continues to be available for lease for social events, breathing new life into this historic building.

Today, The Marshall Grand stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and ongoing restoration efforts make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Marshall, Texas. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique venue for your next event, The Marshall Grand offers a glimpse into the past while promising a bright future.