By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-958432.mp3
Springfield, MA – A once grand hotel in Western Massachusetts is embarking on a second century, this time as condominiums. Its current owner-residents are determined to preserve the landmark building's elegance and restore it as a place for public functions.. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports
( nat ) The doors to the Kimball Hotel first opened in downtown Springfield on St Patrick's day 1911 A hundred years later, dignitaries , led by Springfield's mayor, gathered in the lobby to celebrate the centennial
During its heyday, the Kimball's guests included US Presidents, foreign heads of state, prominent industrialists, stage, screen and radio actors.. The Kimball is just blocks from Springfield's Union Station, and its decline and fall , as a hotel, paralleled the drop in passenger rail travel..
After several ownership changes in the 60s and 70s, and an unsuccessful conversion to apartments, the 8 story building went condo in 1986 and was renamed Kimball Towers. Steve Daly, who chairs the 132 member owners association, says the conversion to condos probably saved the Kimball from the wrecker's ball..
The elegant lobby that greeted guests a century ago has been maintained. There are glittering chandeliers, leather upholstered furniture, mahogany wood, and Italian Marble.
The Kimball was built by businessman Ward Kimball, who put his family coat of arms on the building..the furniture, and the china that was used in the dining room. And he constructed the hotel to last
Bob Holbrook, a retired dentist, remembers going to his high school prom at the Kimball Hotel..he bought a condo in the building 14 years ago..
The next project for the condominium owners is the restoration of the 15 thousand square foot ballroom. Its been unusable for years because of falling plaster and peeling paint. Proms, wedding receptions, balls and receptions were held there. And some owners think it could be the case again if they can strike a deal with a developer, perhaps a catering company..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67t63jkdlBY
http://www.kimballtowers.com/index.html