Avalon
Known Name(s)
Avalon
Address
303 North Broadway Rochester, MN
Establishment Type(s)
Hotel
Physical Status
Extant
Detailed History
It opened in 1919 as the Northwestern Hotel and was designed by Ellerbe Architects. It was owned by Sam Sternberg and his wife. The property was known as a Kosher restaurant and hotel for Jewish travelers. It was purchased by Vern Manning in 1944 while Vern was in Rochester during his wife Mary's treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Vern wanted to provide a safe place for Black travelers and patients to stay. It was the only hotel in Rochester to accept Black people until 1960. It welcomed many celebrity travelers. Manning sold the building after 30 years. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the areas of Ethnic Heritage/Black, Social History, and Commerce.
Learn more at https://rochestermom.com/rochestermn/rochester-history-avalon-hotel/
