Inside the Abandoned House of David Hotel, Benton Harbor
WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.
At the corner of Colfax and Wall Street in downtown Benton Harbor sits the former House of David Hotel.
The House of David had this mammoth hotel built with one hundred rooms encompassing four stories. Construction began in 1921, utilizing members of the House of David to do all the work. It’s because of this that many who explore this abandoned hotel think the architecture is odd and a bit unnerving.
In 1923, the sex scandal involving the HOD leader Benjamin Purnell briefly put a stop to construction. It was alleged that he was having sex with not just the over-18 female members, but also the ones as young as ten years old.
Purnell passed away in 1927 before his case went to trial. The hotel, which was originally intended to be seven stories tall and cover the whole block, sat unfinished for a handful of years. When it was eventually completed, it was four-story, impressive structure. It ended up being run by Purnell’s widow, Mary, as “Mary’s City of David Hotel” and opened for business in August 1931.
Contrary to rumors, this hotel was NOT where Purnell took his female members for sexual liaisons…it wasn’t even built yet when he passed away, so that rumor is squelched.
The old hotel still looks great from the outside, but inside is a different story. Ripped to pieces by vandals and looters, the layout of the inside confuses explorers who consistently ask “What’s this room for?” “What was this little area?” “What’s the purpose of this scrawny little chamber?” et cetera.
Now take a look inside this old hotel and see the insides for yourself.
Abandoned House Of David Hotel
MORE ABANDONED MICHIGAN:
Wintertime in the 'Hood
Remains of Kincheloe Air Force Base
The Michigan Railroad That Was Never Used
Abandoned Stone Building in Bay Shore
Abandoned Blaine Street Synagogue, Detroit