A Monument to Black Excellence in Hospitality
In 1965, legendary showman and entrepreneur Leon D. Claxton Sr. broke barriers once again—this time in the heart of West Tampa—with the creation of the Claxton Manor Motel, one of the first integrated motels in the Tampa–St. Petersburg area and the largest of two motels built by a Negro businessman at the time. Situated on a three-acre site at 4308 Cypress Street – between Hubert, Manhattan, Cypress, and State Streets, Claxton Manor was a bold $100,000 investment in equity and elegance. The 40-unit, two-story motel featured:
- Three modern buildings
- A sparkling swimming pool
- Conference Rooms
- A full-service dining room
A safe, stylish, and welcoming refuge for African American travelers during the height of the civil rights era.
As one of the few upscale motels in the segregated South open to Black travelers, Claxton Manor quickly became a destination for excellence and respect. Major sports figures, prominent politicians, and world-famous entertainers regularly stayed at the motel. Guests included the likes of DinahWashington, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Ike and Tina Turner—all of whom found sanctuary, sophistication, and dignity within its walls.
More than a motel, Claxton Manor was a social and cultural epicenter. Throughout Black Tampa, the Manor earned a glowing reputation for its lavish parties, spirited gatherings, and unforgettable live shows. It was the place where music pulsed through warm Southern nights, where locals mingled with touring celebrities, and where the glamour of Claxton’s entertainment legacy lived on in every event. These celebrations offered joy, elegance, and pride to a community often denied such spaces.
The creation of Claxton Manor was a natural extension of Claxton’s trailblazing life. His wife and longtime partner, Gwendolyn Bates Claxton, was an integral force in that journey—working behind the scenes to manage their luxurious lifestyle. After Leon Claxton’s passing in 1967, Gwendolyn Bates Claxton took the reins and led Claxton Manor with strength, vision, and determination. At her side was her sister, Shirley Bates Johnson, Claxton Manor staff who played a critical role in overseeing housekeeping and ensuring the property upheld the highest standards of hospitality. Her dedication made Claxton Manor warm, and welcoming. Under their joint leadership, Claxton Manor thrived well into the early 1980s, continuing to serve as a vital gathering place for Tampa’s Black community and a distinguished stop for high-profile guests passing through.
A Legacy That Endures
Though the physical motel no longer stands, Claxton Manor lives on as a symbol of Black achievement, hospitality, and joy. It was a celebration of life, culture, and resilience, lovingly built and sustained by a visionary family.
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