Job fair scheduled as iconic Coast hotel, closed for decades, prepares to reopen
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Restoration nears completion; reopening aims for 100th anniversary (circa 2027).
- Job fair Feb. 23–24 seeks hires for 82 positions across hotel, F&B, events and security.
- Owners preserve historic facade while delivering modern interiors, amenities and pool.
The restoration of the historic Markham Hotel in downtown Gulfport is nearly complete, and a job fair is planned to staff the hotel, restaurant and other amenities.
They don’t have an opening date yet, said Tessy Lambert, chief marketing officer for Lodging & Leisure Investments, the owner of the hotel.
The job fair is Feb. 23 and 24 at the Markham Hotel at 2301 14th St., Gulfport. It will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and positions are open across all areas of operation, including hotel, food and beverage, events and guest services.
Job-seekers can apply in person or online for 82 open positions, such as supervisors, doorman/security, line cooks, servers, bartenders and front desk.
The Markham will reopen leading up to the 100th anniversary. It was built in 1926 and opened Jan. 31, 1927. Designed by architects Marshall and Fox, the 8-story building was named for Charles Markham, president of Illinois Central Railroad.
The building was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the restoration has been ongoing for years.
An inside look
“It looks beautiful in there,” Lambert said. Like the White House Hotel that Lodging & Leisure Investment restored several years ago, the Markham will maintain its historic facade and surprise first-time visitors with a contemporary interior.
“It’s going to be very modern and chic,” she said.
The property is designed for the local community and travelers, who can walk over from the Gulfport Amtrak station or take a quick ride in from the nearby Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Guests will have 115 standard rooms and suites, with several different hotel room types to choose from, Lambert said, and a swimming pool.
“We will have The Library restaurant and bar,” which she said will be on the first floor.
In keeping with the history of the Markham, the Upstairs Bar will be on the rooftop with sweeping views of the beach, the sunset and the Gulfport Harbor.
Private rooms will be available for meetings and other local events and the ballroom will host larger celebrations.
“I can definitely see a lot of beautiful weddings taking place on that property,” Lambert said.
History of renovations
This is the fifth historic property the company has restored and reopened on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They started with a multi-million dollar transformation of the White House Hotel on the Biloxi beachfront. It had been closed for years and was in danger of being demolished before the company purchased it. They recently built and opened a hotel expansion.
Next came the restoration of the Katrina damaged Casino Magic on the Biloxi beach. It became Margaritaville Resort Biloxi and Escape arcade and expanded with Paradise Pier amusement park.
The company also restored the former veterans’ property in Gulfport into Centennial Plaza with two hotels, a waterpark and the recent addition of Hippie Fish arcade, restaurant and two mini golf course under the oak trees.
A former senior resident home in downtown Biloxi that nearly was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina was restored into Hotel Legends and Sapphire Supper Club with a Rat Pack throwback vibe.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM.
