Alabama hotel that was once hub for Civil Rights leaders on national ‘endangered places’ list
The hotel is one of of 11 sites included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s listing of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places.
Liam Carter 
A vital piece of Alabama's Civil Rights history is at a crossroads. The historic Ben Moore Hotel in Montgomery, a former sanctuary and meeting ground for legends like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has been officially named one of the nation's most endangered historic places.
A Monument Under Threat
The Ben Moore Hotel secured a spot on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2026 list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The designation comes with a $25,000 grant, a crucial first step in protecting the site as it faces the twin challenges of structural deterioration and increasing development pressure in the Centennial Hill neighborhood.
According to the National Trust, the property represents more than just bricks and mortar. It stands as a symbol of institution-building and resilience during the Jim Crow era, necessitating significant funding and community partnerships to fully restore its legacy.
Refuge, Culture, and Icons
Constructed in 1951, the four-story building located at 902 Highland Avenue was far more than a hotel. It served as a cultural anchor for Montgomery’s Black community. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it buzzed with activity from the Majestic Café, the Malden Brothers Barber Shop, and the rooftop Afro Club. It even played host to musical titans including Billie Holiday, B.B. King, Little Richard, and Tina Turner, notes the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Path to Revitalization
After decades of vacancy, the landmark is currently in need of major renovations. Since its acquisition in 2025 by The Conservation Fund, efforts have been underway to breathe new life into the property. The fund is collaborating with the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery and the City of Montgomery to explore potential new uses, which could include restoring the hotel rooms, reviving the Majestic Café, and creating modern office spaces.
The Ben Moore Hotel joins other significant sites on the national list, such as the Stonewall National Monument in New York and the Angel Island Immigration Station in California. For those interested in the full scope of this year's preservation efforts, you can view the complete list on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website.
