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Civil rights history at Kimball Court

Dylan Novacek March 26, 2024

Constructed in 1926, Kimball Court in Saint Paul has seen a lot in its nearly 100 years. Acquired by Beacon in 2010, the building is home to individuals exiting homelessness and is operated under a Housing First Model. Long before then, however, the building was a hotel.  

Built as the Hamline Hotel, and later renamed the Kimball Hotel, this building is the site of an important piece of civil rights history.  

Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who was a mentor to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and would later plan the March on Washington, visited the Twin Cities in 1947. Planning to speak at local colleges, Rustin had a room booked at the Hamline Hotel.  

Upon checking in, he was told there was no room for him, despite making a reservation. It became clear to Rustin that he was being discriminated against due to the color of his skin. So, he decided to do something about it. 

Watch this special video and learn how Rustin staged a sit-in in the lobby of what is now Kimball Court:  

From Rustin’s sit-in in 1947, to today where residents from all walks of life have access to a room of their own, historic Kimball Court is a welcoming place and a vital piece in our vision to see that all people have a home.

Click here to read more about Kimball Court’s history and consider making a gift to help expand the building so more residents will have a place to call home.  

Historic Photos of Kimball Court