A new hotel is now open in the midst of Montgomery’s Equal Justice Initiative complex.
Elevation Convening Center and Hotel offers accommodations, dining and fitness for visitors to the capital city.
It’s the first phase of the project, as construction continues on an associated art and historical project documenting Montgomery’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
A celebratory concert scheduled for Oct. 11 with Branford Marsalis and Yo-Yo Ma is already sold out.
Located near the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Elevation has 99 rooms with suites and a library area for research, convening space, an art gallery and theater.
It also has two restaurants – AYA Soulful Dining, which offers a fusion of African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine, with menus designed by Chef Aneesha Hargrave.
Elevation Café will also offer baked items and sandwiches. Both AYA and the Café are open to the public.
Also open is a fitness center to guests at Elevation and community members.
Ithaka Hospitality Group out of Auburn will manage day-to-day operations at Elevation.
Announced in 2024, Elevation grew out of the old Hilltop Arms Apartments, built in 1950. Architect Hilari Jones, vice president and studio leader of HKS Architects, designed the space.
“By converting an abandoned structure that has been deteriorating for decades into something beautiful, we hope to provide refuge and comfort to the thousands of people who visit our Legacy Sites and strengthen Montgomery’s economic health and cultural landscape,” EJI executive director Bryan Stevenson said.
Construction around the hotel is scheduled to continue on Montgomery Square, set to open next February.
It commemorates the years from 1955 to 1965, which saw the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma-to-Montgomery march, in sculpture and art, telling the stories of Montgomery residents who participated in the struggle for civil rights.