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The Alluvian Hotel Creating luxury from history in downtown Greenwood BY NANCY HIRST • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE WOLF & MARY NICHOLS There is an apocryphal tale in the Mississippi Delta about Tennessee Williams having referred to the inhabitants of the region as Alluvians. Whether or not this is in fact true, it's definitely Williams-like and charming, as the sense of place in the Delta is certainly deeply rooted in the soil of this rich alluvial plain. The Alluvian, the newly created boutique hotel in Greenwood which opened on May 1, is perfectly named. (Former Greenwood resident B. Edwin “Bevo” McCullough, a history and geography enthusiast now living in Murhpreesboro, TN made the suggestion). Like the alluvial soil from whence the word springs, there are many layers that create the rich environment. The hotel incorporates history and preservation, the cultural ambiance of the Delta, modern décor with its roots in the Art Nouveau movement, and ultra-modern amenities into a unique pampering rarely found outside of major cities. This fascinating blend of styles leads one hotel spokesman to tout The Alluvian as a "seductive alternative to the ordinary." This small Delta gem, containing only 45 standard rooms and five suites, was the brain-child of Fred Carl, Jr., founder and CEO of Viking Range Corporation. According to Carl, the old Hotel Irving, at the corner of Howard and Church Streets, had been placed on Mississippi’s list of top ten endangered landmarks. Believing that an upscale hotel in the beautiful, old building would retain the historic accuracy of the property–as well as be an asset to Greenwood’s economic appeal–Carl purchased the entire block. The property included the old Post Office Café and the former locations of Deloach’s and Stein Jewelry Company, in addition to ample parking. Having stripped the old structure to its shell in order to replace and modernize the electrical and mechanical systems, Carl then incorporated the other buildings into what is now a U-shaped complex that flows from the hotel through to Giardina’s Restaurant, which is itself a Delta landmark. The result is breath-taking and unlike anything the Delta has ever seen. Fresh flowers are everywhere in abundance, both in guestrooms and public spaces. Materials and fabrics combine deep-hued woods with stainless steel and granite, airy sheers with plushes and leathers. The color scheme combines subdued shades of browns and grays with highlights of purple tones, from lilac to maroon for a soothing, yet colorful effect. The coup de grace is the artwork within. Throughout the hotel, original works by some nineteen well-known Delta artists grace the walls and tables–Alluvian artwork at its best. The central court-yard not only provides pleasant views from guestrooms, but also allows for pleasant visiting by the fountain and occasional live entertainment. The Lobby Lounge features a Baby Grand piano, which, when lacking a musician, is also a player piano. The Terrace Room, on the Concierge Floor, is the site for the complimentary breakfast–not the usual continental fare, but a hot buffet with all the upscale touches. This room is light and airy, with outside seating in nice weather and the thoughtful addition of a fireplace, TV, and books for the more inclement times of year. A fitness room and a fully equipped boardroom are also on the Concierge Floor, while the Delta Room is a ground floor room, which can accommodate much larger groups. Containing its own catering kitchen, this room will surely be a popular place for weddings, receptions, dances and other social events as well as larger business meetings. In addition to a business center, modern amenities are to be found everywhere, from TV, DVD and CD players at each station in the fitness center, to high-speed Internet connec-tions in each guestroom. For those visiting for pleasure, however, the real treats are the “warm fuzzies” in each room: large, snug chenille throws; cozy robes; thick terry towels; goose down comforters; 300 thread count linens; Aveda bath toiletries; and oversized bathrooms. Such additions will make even the most worn-out visitor feel extremely pampered after a long day of sightseeing. According to General Manager, Jondi Brackeen, the hotel has many plans for to make the Delta tourist feel welcome. Specific pack-ages are being designed for the various interests of hotel clientele–from hunting to cooking, from Blues to history. "We want this to be a destination property," Fred Carl says, "and hope to create something unique that will make people want to come here." The Alluvian is sure to become a place popular among "Alluvians" from within the Delta and beyond. In fact, in a very short time, it already has. The hotel possesses the beauty, the charm and the service to provide a rare treat in a small town, one that is comparable to any metropolitan area.   <...HOME...>