Avalon Music, architectural structure
Avalon Music is a three-story red brick building built in 1919 in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. The structure maintains its original historic appearance with visible brick walls and architectural details from the early 20th century.
The building opened in 1919 as the Northwestern Hotel, initially serving the Jewish community and Mayo Clinic visitors. In 1944, Vern Manning purchased and renamed it the Avalon Hotel, establishing it as a welcoming place for Black guests when such accommodations were rare.
The building served as a gathering place for the Jewish community when operated as a kosher hotel. It later became one of the few places in Rochester where Black guests felt genuinely welcome and could stay without facing discrimination.
The building is located in downtown Rochester and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can view the exterior at any time, and information about its history is available throughout the year.
The building was listed in the Green Book, a travel guide that helped Black travelers find safe places to stay. It was notable enough to host famous figures like Duke Ellington and boxer Henry Armstrong during their visits.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
