CINCINNATI — Segregation throughout the 50s and 60s made it difficult for Black people to find a place to stay while on vacation. But thanks to the Green Book, people were able to find the businesses and hotels where they were welcomed. One of those hotels was recently remodeled to fit the needs of affordable living residents.
Dorothy Williams is a resident at The Manse Apartments. She also participated in the Black History Month presentation, which highlighted historical work of African Americans in Cincinnati and the history of what was once the Manse Hotel.
“It did take me back when I saw where I came from and then the transition to here,” said Williams.
In the Green Book is where you’ll find the Manse Hotel in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills. Horace Sudduth opened the hotel in 1950, becoming one of only four hotels in Cincinnati where Blacks could stay during segregation. In 1970, the hotel was converted into low-income apartments, which later fell into disrepair.
“I knew this when it was an apartment building and it was just a rundown apartment building when I came here,” she said. “So now to bring it up to this, it’s amazing.”
After a two-year, $13.3 million project, The Manse Apartments is now a 60-unit senior affordable living apartment complex. Williams has lived there for nine months now.
“Even though I don’t have the space I want, I’m in here,” she said. “I have the experience of being one of the first persons to live here.”
Pictures of historical Black figures like Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and Billie Holiday are on display across a hallway at the Manse. They're all painted by artist Latausha Cox. These historical figures are among many African Americans who stayed at the hotel. Affordable Living Vice President Jimmy Wilson said these art pieces and the renovations were all made possible through the help of its sponsors.
“Partners such as the Fifth Third Foundation have been instrumental in bringing this building back to life. And not just a building, but a building with richness and character so residents can enjoy the amenities that we are able to provide,” said Wilson.
As a Black woman who lived through segregation, Williams said she’s amazed to see all the people who once stayed where she lives today, and she’s even happier to see Horace Sudduth’s dream of people of all colors living together come to fruition.
“It’s great seeing that come about,” she said. “That’s really great because everyone who has set out to make a difference has been everyone’s dream to come about.”