Well, the dust had barely settled (literally), and everyone seems to have an opinion about whose "fault" it is that the Eggleston Hotel collapsed. Seriously. Here's an article the day after the collapse titled "Richmond Official Blames Hotel Collapse on Owner's Inaction." Today the headline is "City, Eggleston Hotel Owners Disagree Over Collapse." City officials, the owners, newspaper columnists, and just about any Tom, Dick or Harry on the street is rushing to lay blame at the OTHER guy's feet.
Why do we care who shot John? It's not going to magically resurrect the Eggleston Hotel, like a phoenix from the ashes, if we can properly affix the blame.
Here's the reality: The "truth" about who is to blame is probably pretty complicated. The family that owned the property may not have had the resources to maintain it. It appears they were unable to secure financing to do something with the building. The City appears to have investigated the building for building code violations on several different occasions, dating back years. Why didn't the City move more quickly to enforce? The private developer who was to redevelop the property had been negotiating with the City and trying to determine what was required to stabilize the building. Perhaps that process could have gone faster. Did all these different processes either not work at all, or work too slowly? Clearly, because the Eggleston Hotel is gone. BUT, why does any one person, or persons, or any particular agency, need to be "blamed?"
From the standpoint of physical history and the importance of place, the loss of the Eggleston Hotel is nothing short of tragic. It was a mecca for African American entertainers, athletes, and stars back in the days of separate and decidedly not equal. Even many Richmonders don't know that Jackson Ward in its heyday was often referred to as the "Harlem of the South."
Here's what I think matters. On the issue of blame, I say WHO. CARES. There's probably a little bit to go around for everyone, and the gracious thing may be just to all acknowledge that what needed to get done, didn't. Just let's make sure it doesn't happen again. Stop wasting time pointing fingers and laying blame, and come up with a plan. Inventory all the endangered historic structures in the City. Then prioritize the "needs" and make sure resources get delivered to the most distressed properties. Stabilize first. Figure out an appropriate use second. If you need to use tools like spot blight ordinances to preserve important historic structures, then use them.
Who is to blame for the Eggleston - well, that's in the past. What matters now is what we do to make sure there is no similar situation in the future. Stop wasting time pointing fingers. The time is much better spent solving the problem. And here's one woman who is willing to put her money - well, her time at least - where her mouth is. I'd be happy to be a charter member of whatever group the City wants to put together to address this issue. I'm definitely not the most qualified, but I do have the courage of my convictions. Mayor Jones, Rachel Flynn, are you listening?
To: Richmond Councilwoman Ellen Robertson, Councilman E. Marty Jewell & Council
Re: The New 2 Street Eggleston-Hampton Inn, Making It Historic!
Dear Council Members,
Two years ago I made the suggestion to Mr. Eggleston via his architect that he NOT just rehab a Hotel but rather recreate a Real Landmark, a Landmark to the aspirations, struggles, and achievements of African Americans in Richmond and "Around the World". We Need to Remember those "Not So Far Gone!" Days when Segregation RULED the South, EVEN for the Most Distinguished of us (World Renowned Black patriots, speakers, entertainers, athletes, etc.).
The 2 Street Festival was started to remind "Us Folks" of our History and Contributions, and of our contributions "Yet to be Made" by our "youngers"! Thus the Hotel right on the street should be SPECIAL!, reminding us of those who have "Passed This Way" and left their contributions! The Eggleston did that and so should the new Hampton Inn (the Eggleston-Hampton Inn!) replacing the old!
I suggest that the Hampton Inn invest a few dollars (2 Mil sounds right - royalties, etc.?) to build a hotel that, rather than numbering their rooms, NAMES their rooms (suites?) in honor of those who graced the Eggleston floors in the OLD days, i.e. a Count Basie Room, a "Satchel" Page Room, a Billie Holiday Room, a Jackie Robinson Room, etc., with pictures and mementos to match (Ella Fitsgerald's SHOES???). In addition, rather than a simple exercise room, have a Joe Louis Practice GYM (with Joe's Punching Bag even!) in the basement, and have a Count Basie Band Practice Room (soundproofed) as well, with the Count's PIANO up front! With Towels to Match!!! And Maybe a Croaker Lounge, EVEN!
And of course, have a Jackie Robinson HOME PLATE outdoors on the practice field, and RESERVED Parking Spaces for Nipsey Russell (Sign - "Don't Even THINK About IT!), Jackie Moms" Mably ("Only YOUNG Men Allowed!"), and for Redd Fox ("Redd F. U."), etc. Finally, why can't Richmond Fifth Graders design the room features (colors, pictures, etc. - with the Hotel Architect's help), including even finding and negotiating with the famous families for Mementos!
Just THINK! of all of the ROCK (and RAP!) bands that circle through Richmond that would LOVE! to stay (and practice!) in Louie Armstrong's Room, or Comics in Nipsey's Room or athletes in Jackie Robinson's Room. And just think how many kids would clamor to stay in Willie Mays's Room, etc. (Fathers TOO!).
This project would really put Richmond on the map and You Know! that Customers would come Running, even with the higher room rates you know Hampton Inn would tack on.
So work with Hampton Inn and the new owners to REALLY brings to Richmond a 4 Star Attraction (Vegas comes to mind) befitting of 2 Street's EARNED Reputation.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours truly,
E. Frank Taylor
ftk3@comcast.net
Mar 21, 2011
Posted by: E. Frank Taylor | March 22, 2011 at 07:57 AM