Joyce, the caretaker, spent thirty days sharing the haunting history of this historic property. Some accounts date back to the building’s earliest days, while others involve more recent sightings. Most of these tales describe spirits that remain trapped in time. Visitors often see patrons from past decades riding the elevators or strolling through the long, silent halls as if the hotel were still in its prime.
The Man in the Gray Suit
Every day at approximately 4:00 PM, the elevator in the third tower travels to the sixth floor and returns to the lobby. You hear the chime and watch the doors slide open to reveal an empty car. If conditions are just right, a tall man in a gray suit emerges from the phantom lift. He walks briskly toward the front door while reaching into his left pocket. Legend says he was a businessman checking his pocket watch as he stepped in front of a car. He did not survive the accident, yet he continues to relive that day in a frantic attempt to make his meeting on time.
The Gracious Gentleman in the Top Hat
A slender gentleman wearing a tuxedo and a top hat frequently appears in the first tower. He specifically chooses to show himself to contractors, including plumbers, painters, and security officers. At first, these workers do not realize he is a spirit. He simply walks down the hall, tips his hat with a warm smile, and disappears through a solid wall. These polite encounters are so unnerving that multiple contractors have walked off the job and refused to return to the site.
Tragedy in the Crystal Ball Room
The most tragic legend involves a bride who reportedly died on her wedding day. Her celebration took place in the Crystal Ball Room, but someone attacked and strangled her in a private lounge. While the details remain a mystery, her presence lingers near the promenade coat room. Even though staff removed the metal hangers decades ago, you can still hear the distinct sound of hangers gliding across metal bars. The phantom noise echoes through the empty room, reminding everyone of the hotel’s busy past.
The Echoes of Mae West
In the third tower’s grand foyer, a phantom piano still plays for the evening guests. Although the school donated the physical instrument to a music program years ago, the music never truly stopped. During the dinner hour, a woman’s voice often accompanies the piano. Many believe the voice belongs to Mae West, who frequently sang in the dining room during the hotel’s heyday. You cannot always hear the specific lyrics, but the melody carries clearly through the dining area.
The Girl with the Golden Ringlets
A mysterious young girl around the age of eight haunts the areas near the pool. She has long blonde ringlets tied with a bow, though no one knows her name or how she came to stay here. Her presence is rarely silent; instead, you hear the sound of a bouncing ball and the quick footsteps of a child running through the corridors. She remains one of the most active spirits in the building, bringing a playful yet eerie energy to the service halls.
