Hoover, Alabama, July 27, 2022 – HP Hotels, a full-service third-party hotel management company, has been chosen by Rhaglan Hospitality to manage The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, downtown Birmingham, Alabama’s premier lifestyle hotel. HP Hotels CEO Kerry Ranson made the announcement.
Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham at 1st Avenue North and 21st Street, the property formerly known as the Protective Life Building, has been restored and refurbished to surpass its former glory. Blending the stunning Art Deco original architecture of the 1920s with modern fixtures, contemporary art, and sophisticated style, the 14-story, 96-room historic property redefines Southern hospitality in the vibrant, resurgent Birmingham market.
“We’re excited to manage this incredible asset for Rhaglan Hospitality, which exemplifies a wonderful fusion of historic preservation and community investment with style and sophistication,” Ranson said. “As with the other two properties we manage for Rhaglan, The Kelly enhances our growing portfolio of independent boutique properties.”
“Kerry and the HP Hotels team are great communicators and a great fit for us,” said Jim Lewis of Birmingham-based Rhaglan Hospitality real estate development firm, along with his wife, Kelly Rushin Lewis, who share ownership in the properties. “They understand our property development goals and love of community. HP Hotels understands how to activate and market unique properties like The Kelly and are always hands-on with great attention to detail and guest satisfaction.”
Jim Lewis named the hotel as an appreciation to his wife, Kelly Rushin Lewis, a prominent tax credit attorney.
The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Originally built in 1902 as the three-story headquarters to the Birmingham Ledger newspaper, the property was transformed again in 1928 when the Protective Life Insurance Company purchased the building and hired architectural firm of Warren, Knight & Davis to complete the Art Deco inspired landmark. The building is notable with its unique exterior bas-relief sculptures, and skyline-defining copper-green peaked rooftop. Inside the property the public areas are replete with restored architectural touches including vintage elevator dials, ceiling bas-relief, wood parquet, and an overhead etching featuring St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers in Christian faiths.
Designed by Sims Patrick Studio, each guest room offers an exceptional blend of beauty and elegance. Well-appointed spaces featuring pristine cream-colored walls, a gold framed green leathered bench, and intimate lighting, each room is sophisticated and stylish with additional touches of gold to enhance the intricate décor and. An interesting mix of paint and tile cover the walls of the bathrooms, accentuated by gold and black fixtures to compliment the bold-patterned flooring and the bright white ample glass-enclosed shower and vanity. Many of the guest room floors are still lined with the original marble wainscoting. The Kelly features contemporary dining at its Calico restaurant, a bar and lounge, and valet parking is available.
Local attractions include the city’s entertainment district, Alabama Theatre, The Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center and The University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. The Kelly is also proximate to several unique and eclectic neighborhoods filled with shopping and dining venues of all kinds, as well as nearby to numerous James Beard award winning restaurants and bars, the award-winning Railroad Park and Rotary Trail, and the Birmingham National Civil Rights Monument.
