Peabody Hotel marks 100th anniversary with grand event
by: Melissa Moon
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Peabody Hotel celebrated 100 years on Union Avenue in grand style in its Grand Lobby Thursday afternoon.
The anniversary bash included a big band from the Memphis Symphony and a replica cake of the Peabody Memphis created by a hotel executive chef.
During the celebration, Douglas Browne, the President of Peabody Hotels and Resorts, was made an honorary duckmaster and was officially inducted into the Duck Walk Hall of Fame.
“I moved here from Mexico and thought I’d be here a few years. It’ll be 24 years in January, said Browne.
The Peabody originally opened its doors in 1869 at the corner of Monroe Avenue & South Main Street in Downtown Memphis. However, on September 1, 1925, it moved to its current location at Union and Second Street.
“The South’s Grand Hotel” became internationally renowned for its tradition of the March of the Peabody Ducks and Big Band dances on the rooftop, which were broadcast live on CBS radio, according to the hotel.
Belz Enterprises, a Memphis-based real estate company, purchased and restored the historic building after it closed in 1975. After a six-year $25 million restoration project, the Peabody reopened in 1981.
The Memphis landmark has welcomed dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, been featured in films, and played a key role in revitalizing downtown Memphis.
The anniversary party comes just as the hotel has completed a $30 million renovation of its lobby and guest rooms. Browne said the upgrades are nice, but it’s the 450 associates that make him look good.
“It’s great to come see the lobby and it’s great to come see the lobby, the ducks are cool, but at the end of the day, it’s the associates that created the memories, and it’s what people go home and remember,” Browne said.
The Peabody Hotel is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
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