top of page
image.png
Desert Hotel

Victor Dessert, a black immigrant and railroad blacksmith, relocated to Spokane in 1881. During the 1880s, he founded the Pacific Hotel at the crossroads of First Avenue and Post Street. The hotel underwent several name changes, eventually adopting the title Dessert Hotel, after its founder. In 1937, it underwent another renaming, becoming the Desert Hotel. 

​

Listed in the 1960 edition of the Traveler's Green Book, the Desert Hotel was a safe haven for African American travelers seeking dining and lodging recommendations during their journeys. Notably, it was the sole hotel in Spokane accommodating both Black and White patrons during that era. 

​

In 1962, the Desert Hotel was demolished, paving the way for the construction of the Desert Saharan Motor Lodge, featuring the renowned Moulin Rouge nightclub. This new establishment emerged as a lively entertainment center in downtown Spokane. 

In 2005, Walt Worthy erected the Davenport Hotel tower on the site of the Desert Saharan Motor Lodge, extending the existing Davenport Hotel. With numerous guest rooms and apartments, this addition aimed to bolster the hotel's profitability. Welcoming guests in 2007, the Davenport Hotel tower expanded accommodation options and amenities for Spokane visitors. 

​

Collectively, these architectural and historical transformations have indelibly shaped Spokane's hospitality landscape, reflecting its progression and development over time. 

Follow

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Contact

206-659-5395

Address

In care of:

Studio TJP
1212 NE 65th St. Seattle, WA 98115

with funding provided by:

the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the National Park Service

©2022 by Black Historic Sites Washington. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page