What happened to the Lorraine Motel?

The Lorraine finally closed as an SRO motel on March 2, 1988. Sheriff’s deputies were needed to evict the last holdout tenant, Jacquoline Smith, in preparation for an $8.8 million overhaul. Walter Bailey, Lorraine Motel owner, died in July 1988, before getting to see the results of his efforts to establish the museum.

What is significant about the Lorraine Motel?

With its stylized exterior, excellent café, and superior service, the motel hosted more than just travelers; the Lorraine was also the site of important business meetings and celebratory gatherings, such as weddings. The Lorraine was the preferred stop for many blacks who came to Memphis.

What room did MLK stay in at the Lorraine Motel?

Room 306
It is where Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s life was taken nearly 50 years ago. The National Civil Rights Museum has preserved the room and the memories. Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel is exactly the way it was on April 4th, 1968.

How far is Lorraine Hotel from Graceland?

9.6 miles
This Memphis, Tennessee hotel is 9.6 miles from Graceland, former home to Elvis Presley. The hotel features a hot tub and guest rooms boast 32-inch flat-screen cable TVs with HBO.

How did the Lorraine Motel get its name?

Before it was the Lorraine, it was the Marquette Hotel that catered to black clientele in segregated Memphis. Then, in 1945 black businessman Walter Bailey purchased the hotel, which he re-christened the Lorraine after his wife Loree and the popular jazz song, “Sweet Lorraine.”

Is the Lorraine Motel in the national civil rights museum?

National Civil Rights Museum. The Lorraine Motel is part of the complex of the National Civil Rights Museum.

What was the name of the Lorraine Hotel during segregation?

During the segregation era, Bailey operated the motel as upscale lodging that catered to a black clientele. He added a second floor, a swimming pool, and drive-up access for more rooms on the south side of the complex. He changed the name from Lorraine Hotel to Lorraine Motel.

When is the Lorraine Motel open for the summer?

The Reawakening. 3 This is the Story of a People. Extended summer hours Thursday – Monday, 9:00am – 6:00pm until Labor Day. We’RE OPEN! This history is more important than ever. We remain seriously committed to the safety of our guests and staff and to sharing the stories that changed our nation. We invite you to be a change maker.