Opened in early 1913 at a cost of approximately $100,000 – $2.37 million in today’s dollars – the hotel was built of reinforced concrete, faced with dark mottled brick, trimmed with Bedford stone, and claimed to be "Absolutely Fire Proof." One tower featured a roof garden restaurant with a panoramic view of the city, and the other was designed to accommodate sleeping tents for open-air enthusiasts. Notice how the form of the building, with its two towers and light-filled courtyard, encourage light and air to reach the interior rooms.
According to local legend, guests included Ty Cobb and Bonnie and Clyde. The Rogers Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Turn south on College Street and notice how each commercial building provides a continuous canopy for protection from the sun and rain.