In my opinion, the Kimball Towers Condominiums are some of the best condos in Western Massachusetts…read more-- certainly, some of the most interesting, historically, and in terms of current residents. Although it's called "towers," the Kimball is just one building that wraps around in a "U" shape. As of 2011, it's mostly owner-occupied; however, sometimes a condo owner rents one out on Craigslist.
During the new millennium, as Springfield's Metro Center became more popular, the Kimball became a trendy residence for bohemians, artists, LGBTs, and empty-nesters -- people looking for an urban lifestyle without the high cost.
History:
Built in 1910 and opened in 1911 as The Hotel Kimball, the red-brick, neo-classical building was once advertised as "Western Massachusetts finest hotel." On its opening in 1911, it was reviewed by the New York Times as "ranking with the finest [hotels] in the country. A magnificent hotel, modern and metropolitan in every appointment."
In 1920, the Hotel Kimball became famous as the site of the United States' first-ever commercial radio station, (WBZ AM & FM, which later moved to Boston.) The hotel was used by the radio station as an attraction to lure top talent.
U.S. Presidents FDR and JFK stayed at the Kimball as guests, as did many famous actors and foreign dignitaries. The Hotel Kimball was the first "grand" hotel purchased by Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. For many years, this building was known as the Sheraton-Kimball Hotel.
There are secret gardens and hallways in the building -- there's a lot of unique and historic detail that intellectually-curious people will find interesting. For example, the Kimball still features a grand lobby and large ballroom with a balcony overlooking a hardwood dance floor.
During the early 1980s, a condominium developer bought the Kimball, with the intention of turning it into "Springfield's premier condominium address." Unfortunately, in the late 1980s, he filed for bankruptcy after completing only part of the renovation, (the top 3 floors,) citing the project's exorbitant costs. The developer later went to jail.
During the 1990s, people bought condos in the Kimball for small, speculative amounts because it was thought that the building might be demolished; however, it was one of five buildings protected by the Apremont Triangle Historic District.
In the new millenium, the Kimball became financially steady once it found stable management. Since then, residents have renovated former Hotel Kimball features like the Pickwick Lounge off the Grand Lobby, (the latter looks almost exactly as it did on its opening in 1911.) Currently, the Kimball's creative residents use it for art exhibitions, music, and lectures.
