|
Rich in History
The Story of the Carnegie Hotel is steeped in history. Featured in Ray Stahl’s Greater Johnson City; A Pictorial History, “The Carnegie Hotel, built in 1890 at a cost of $100,000, became the center of the boom period in early 1890’s and was for several decades the center of Johnson City’s social life.
A newspaper account (1892) stated, ‘Friday night, the spacious, elegantly furnished and well lighted parlors of the Carnegie Hotel were filled with beauty and joy’…The four-story hotel (150 feet square) claimed steamed heat in every room, electric lights, private baths on each floor, and large, airy rooms.
Resurrection of a Landmark
The Resurrection Of This East Tennessee Landmark was completed March 2000. The “new” Carnegie bore great architectural resemblance to its turn of the 20th century namesake.
“The Finest Hotel in East Tennessee Completed – This great palatial hotel has no equal in East Tennessee and for convenience has no superior in the South. The best of material was used throughout the structure… There is not to be found a single accommodation known to hotels with which the magnificent structure is not provided… Its dining rooms are large and finely finished. Its parlors and reception rooms are peerless in the finish and furnishings. Its library, bath and other rooms have the polish of perfection. The building has been laid throughout with very fine carpet, every room has been elegantly furnished and there is not a feature that is lacking in completeness.” Johnson City Comet (Johnson City’s Original Newspaper); Hotel Carnegie is Finished (July 8, 1891)
Descriptive of the Original Carnegie, this same spirit has been captured in the newest rendition of this Crown Jewel of East Tennessee… The News and Neighbor (May 4, 2002); The Carnegie Hotel – A Taste of Europe in East Tennessee “Stepping into the lobby of the lavishly furnished and decorated Carnegie Hotel is like visiting a four-star property in a European capital. The relaxing sound of a grand piano can be heard and pleasant voices engaged in conversation in the nearby Roosevelt Library drifts softly through the air. From the huge stained glass medallions in the ceiling to the oriental rugs and comfortable upholstered furniture and Tiffany style lamps, the baroque style décor is inviting and soothing. Some of the rooms have antique pieces and sofas in leather or fine fabric. Tiffany-style stained glass lamps and lighting fixtures are found throughout the hotel. All of the rooms are tastefully decorated. Every room is unique.”
History in the Making
On December 29th, 2001 the hotel was purchased by Carnegie Hotel Investors Group. The owners are David Callen of Tampa, Florida and Charlie Johnson of Catawba, North Carolina.
Within the walls of this extraordinary hotel lies extraordinary talent.
The Carnegie gives back to the community and has sponsored events for:
- East Tennessee State University Athletics
- East Tennessee State University College of Arts and Sciences
- East Tennessee State University College of Business
- East Tennessee State University College of Medicine
- East Tennessee State University Roan Scholars
- East Tennessee State University School of Music
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Johnson City Arts Council
- Mountain State Health Foundation
- Mountain State Children’s Hospital
- Johnson City Schools Orchestras
- American Cancer Society
- March of Dimes
The Carnegie has been embraced by her community and the Carnegie’s Comeback is celebrated
The Johnson City Press (June 1, 2003); Carnegie Comeback – Bookings on the rise for ‘Crown Jewel’ hotel “A sterling reputation, the Carnegie’s management and staff are reaping the rewards. While the hotel serves the business traveler on a regular basis , the Carnegie has also become a destination in itself for out-of town guests who have heard about its impressive European flair and luxurious amenities through word of mouth. It is becoming a real source of pride for Johnson City.”
Southern Living Magazine (April 2005); Taste of the South – Our Rich Culinary Heritage Features Wellington’s, “Fried green tomatoes are served with crab moulade…domestic lamb chops, grilled Appalachian style, combine sweet potatoes, bourbon, braised cabbage and cider vinegar.” Led by an award winning Chef, “local dishes are decked out for a night on the town in Wellington’s, the elegant restaurant at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee.”
Our customers, employees and community have become dedicated partners in this “magical” transformation and together have proven the finer things in life truly stand the test of time.
|
