Longview’s historic White’s Motel, a property recognized for its significance as the only motel available to African Americans in the city during segregation, has been saved from a demolition order. Located off South Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, the building was previously subject to a city court order that had called for its demolition, and owner Audrey White had even initiated a permit to demolish the structure. The reversal of these plans means the site will now be preserved, securing its place for future generations.
The preservation effort materialized when a preservationist contacted White. This outreach occurred at a critical time, as White was approximately two weeks away from proceeding with the demolition of the property. Following the initial contact, a representative from the Texas Historic Commission also became involved. These interventions led to the property being officially recognized as a historic site, a designation that includes the commissioning of a historic marker for the location.
Before these efforts, the motel building had been in a state of considerable disrepair. Its condition included crumbling walls and a collapsing roof, indicating a need for significant restoration. White, the owner, had initially felt that the demolition of the property was an unchangeable outcome. She had already secured a demolition permit for a section of the motel and conveyed her belief that its presence was temporary. White stated, "I felt like when the motel was gone this place would leave." This perspective highlighted her prior conviction that the property's future was tied to its eventual removal.
During its active years, White’s Motel was considered a premier establishment in the region. Owner Audrey White recalled its standing, describing it as among the nicest places within a significant radius, potentially 150-200 miles. Its historical importance is underscored by its role as a vital accommodation option for African Americans in Longview during an era of racial segregation. The preservation efforts also saw a roofing company come onboard to complete part of the necessary repair work on the structure, addressing some of the motel's structural issues.
White expresses her hope that the site will continue to serve as a meaningful landmark for those who visit it. She describes the enduring impact the location has on visitors, noting that people continue to express a strong connection to the site's atmosphere. The official recognition of the motel’s historical status will be marked by the unveiling of its historic marker. This event is scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., signifying a new chapter for the revitalized White's Motel. The preservation ensures that its history and significance will be honored and accessible for public understanding.
