Southern Queen Hotel Renovation Initiates New Housing Development

News Summary

The Southern Queen hotel in Bowling Green is undergoing renovations, while new housing units nearby have been approved by city commissioners, marking a significant milestone for the community. The project’s aim is to revitalize a historic landmark and provide affordable housing options through the city’s housing choice voucher program. This renovation not only preserves the hotel’s rich cultural heritage but also enhances the neighborhood, which has seen little development in decades.

Bowling Green’s Southern Queen Hotel Renovation Sparks New Housing Development

Exciting news is unfolding in Bowling Green! After a long wait, the Southern Queen hotel is finally getting the attention it desperately needs at 140 State St. This cherished landmark, which holds a rich history, is in the midst of comprehensive renovations that have commenced over a year ago under the guidance of local developer Desmond Bell.

Recently, city commissioners took a remarkable step forward by approving new housing units adjacent to the Southern Queen property. This undoubtedly marks a significant milestone as it is the very first new housing development in the neighborhood in decades! Brent Childers, head of Neighborhood and Community Services, expressed excitement about this new direction for the area.

Following the adjustment of property lines, an address of 514 E. 2nd Ave. has been established, which wasn’t part of the original agreement. Plans for this site include the construction of a three-plex apartment building accompanied by a parking lot. The city has high hopes that these new housing units will be part of the city’s housing choice voucher program, making them more affordable for families who need it most.

A $1 Deal for Rich History

The historic Southern Queen and its adjacent properties were awarded to Bell for a mere $1 in January of the previous year. This is no ordinary hotel; it played a vital role in history, serving as a haven for Black entertainers and proudly featured in the “Green Book,” a travel guide highlighting safe places for Black travelers during segregation. The effort to restore this hotel is not just about reopening its doors but also about rekindling a vital piece of the community’s cultural heritage.

However, the renovation journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. Over the past year, the project has faced its fair share of hurdles, including serious fire, water, and termite damage that were unexpectedly uncovered. In fact, the top floor of the building had to be completely removed due to the severity of the issues. Without these renovations, city officials believe that the properties could have faded into a “forgotten piece of history.” The commitment to breathing new life into the Southern Queen is admirable and essential for preserving this historical site.

Changes in Package Liquor Licensing and Safety Measures

Meanwhile, the Bowling Green Fire Department is making headlines too! They have recently approved the purchase of an underwater drone for the impressive price tag of $100,865. This drone is set to enhance water rescue operations, particularly in places like the Barren River. With the ability to be deployed from a boat in under three minutes, this nifty piece of technology is equipped with a camera and an arm for retrieving victims. The Fire Department is aiming to locate and rescue water-related victims in under ten minutes with this upgraded gear. Talk about moving into the future!

What’s Next for Bowling Green?

As residents of Bowling Green, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. The next city commissioners meeting is scheduled for March 18, and it promises to be a platform for further exciting developments regarding the community’s progress. With renovations to the Southern Queen hotel moving ahead and new housing units on the horizon, it seems like positive changes are taking place, aiming to bring the city closer together while preserving its rich history.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye on these developments and what they mean for the future of Bowling Green!

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Additional Resources

• Bowling Green Daily News: Southern Queen Development to Include Apartments
• Wikipedia: Bowling Green, Kentucky
• WBKO: Southern Queen Hotel Will Soon Enter Renovation Phase
• Google Search: Southern Queen Hotel renovation
• WNKY: Construction on Southern Queen Hotel’s Renovations Underway
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
• WBKO: Southern Queen Hotel to Undergo Rebuild After Renovations Reveal Damage
• Google News: Bowling Green Southern Queen Hotel
• WNKY: A Look at Bowling Green 25 Years Ago in 2025