The Historic John Sevier Hotel Johnson City Tennessee

Dubbed Johnson City's "Million Dollar Hotel" and managed by the William Foor Hotel Group, the John Sevier Hotel was a prominent landmark during the Roaring '20s, at which time the city became known as "Little Chicago." The hotel was located near the Southern Railway Station. Its famous guests included Eleanor Roosevelt and President Herbert Hoover. A host of entertainers such as actors Gabby Hayes and Tyrone Power stayed at the John Sevier during its heyday.

The John Sevier Hotel ceased operations in late 1975, and the building was adapted during 1977 and 1978 to provide apartments for senior citizens. It reopened as the John Sevier Center in 1978. The building survived a tragic Christmas Eve fire in 1989 in which sixteen persons died of smoke inhalation. Today it is being revised and a new center for the current tenants is being planned. We hope to see it return to its glory with plans for mixed retail and possibly condos.