Northrop Neighborhood Walk
Submitted by Executive Director on Sun, 2008-06-08 21:56.
1.96 miles
Download a printable PDF of the Northrop Neighborhood Walk
- Kahler Grand Hotel
In the early 20th century, J. H. Kahler acquired the E. A. Knowlton house, and promptly converted it into a special type of hotel, with not only hotel furnishings, but with an operating room and other hospital equipment. In 1919, plans were drawn for a new Kahler Hotel, built for $1.75 million dollars with a “triple plan”: a 210-bed hospital with operating suites for oral, plastic, and general surgery; a 150-bed convalescent unit; and a 220-room hotel. The current structure holds two hotels, the 626 room Kahler Grand and the 45-room International Hotel. - Central Park
Dedicated to the City in 1856 by William D. Lowry, Central Park was Rochester’s first public park and consists of 1.6 acres. The Whiting House (now called the Heritage House) was moved to Central Park in 1973 and exhibits a middle class way of life from more than 100 years ago. Tours are offered June through August, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30 PM. - Northrop Community Education (CE) Building
The current Northrop building was completed in 1925 at a cost of $45,000 to replace the original building which burned down in 1910. An elementary school until 1978, Northrop became home for the Rochester Public Schools CE program which provides classes for all ages. On the east side of Northrop is a street mural, painted by Northrop employees and neighbors. - Samaritan Bethany
Originally established by the Men’s Fellowship of Peace United Church of Christ, the Samaritan Convalescent Hospital and Hotel of Rochester began its operation on March 7, 1922, at 25 7th Street NW. Expanding services for the elderly, this block now contains The Home on Eighth, The Heights, Samaritan Bethany Terrace, and Arbor Terrace. - Cheap Charlie’s
Charlie and Vi Clark began running the 14-stool Ideal Cafe in 1955. Known for his frugality, the restaurant became Cheap Charlie’s in 1968 after a $200 bet that he wouldn’t change the diner’s name. The current owner, David Tran, began his career as a dishwasher at Cheap Charlie’s and purchased the cafe (including the famous pig sign and all of the recipes) from the original owners. - Avalon Hotel (Now Hamilton Music)
Originally built in 1858, this building served as Olmsted County’s first court house. In 1944, Vern Manning purchased the building (then the Avalon Hotel) and became Rochester’s first black business owner. Serving as the only hotel where blacks were allowed to stay for years, guests included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and boxer Harry Armstrong. In 1988, Myrna Hamilton purchased the building for the expansion of Hamilton Music. A complete renovation restored the building and it is listed on the National Historic Registry.
