Victoria Inn Closing, 15 employees laid off

Anniston's historic Victoria inn is set to close today for renovations and is scheduled to reopen next year.   Management at the historic hotel announced Thursday that, the Victoria Inn on Quintard Avenue is closing, and its 15 employees will lose their jobs. The closing comes almost two weeks after the city of Anniston agreed to sell the building to Marsh Properties LLC, operated by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston.

 Marsh said the city decided to close the Victoria. Although the City Council voted to transfer ownership of the inn to Marsh on June 15, the city has yet to officially transfer control of it. The city bought the Victoria for $710,000 in 2013 from the Jacksonville State University Foundation's real estate holding company.  Anniston City Manager Brian Johnson said he decided to close the Victoria because the city plans to execute the deed transfer within a few days and because all the rooms are now empty.

Marsh said the approximately $2 million worth of renovations could take up to six months to complete.  Marsh has said much of the property containing the historic, nearly 130-year-old Queen Anne-style home and related buildings needs significant renovations, including the structure’s roof and several of the rooms. Marsh said the inside of the inn will be updated to a more contemporary look but will contain much of the antique furniture currently there.  The Victoria has a restaurant and the hotel section has 63 rooms. Marsh has said he wants to run the Victoria as a type of bed and breakfast and keep the restaurant with a limited menu.

According to the deal, Marsh must spend at least $1.5 million in renovations during the next 12 months or the city will regain ownership of the Victoria. Marsh's renovation plan must be city-approved. Also, the Victoria must be operated as a hotel over a 15-year period.