We began exploring the abandoned hotel late in 1996 just in time, as you can tell from the following photos that the condition of the hotel grounds had changed considerably upon the arrival of a full demolition and construction crew almost two years later. Trucks, tractors and trailers from Roy Anderson Corp. swarmed the site and eliminated the lonely tranquility in the Spring of 1999, creating a web of activity that earned front-page attention in the local Sun - Herald newspaper. Just like the old Biloxi Hospital building a few years before, a brand new life seems guaranteed for this deteriorated landmark.


We arrived at the jobsite in June, 1999 with hardhats and camera equipment and were immediately welcomed by the chief engineer supervising many of the exterior renovations. Once past the gate and inside the fence it is easier to visualize this beautiful building during its better days.
This view is through a beautifully preserved doorway on the South wall of the demolished wing. We are actually standing outside looking in where the wing used to be. Two phases of the reconstruction work are organized. The first involves the delicate and precise restoration of the buildings already existing. Some of the most intense work required demolition of part of the southwest wing which had earlier caved in, a section of collapsed, rotted timber and debris which was originally added in the 1940's. This entire section had been gutted out, including the foundation, and by the beginning of 2001, a steel beam and concrete infrastructure was built behind the preserved or reconstructed wooden outer frame. At least the front facade of this section was preserved, to maintain the hotel's historical integrity and it's original appearance from the beach and highway. The photo below is an elevated view from the hotel at the onset of the project early in 1999, looking west-northwest where the outline of the demolished wing is clearly visible on the preserved section. The second phase entails new construction of adjoining building behind the exsisting structures, offering more guestrooms and dining areas. This phase of the project begins late in 2001 , as Roy Anderson crews responsible for the delicate restoration of the old sections take off for the holidays, to return and finish up in January.

The DAMC Members are invited to explore
Inside the White House Hotel. Let's go Look.