The Alexander Inn – originally known as The Guest House was built in 1943. A  wood framed building, similar  to many other war-period  “H-plan” buildings,  it served as guest quarters to a number of dignitaries during the top- secret Manhattan Project [WWII] including Enrico Fermi, Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves.   Guests standing on the porch could look out over the tennis courts just down the hill onto what seemed like a sea of dormitories. 

 

In 1949, a 44-room addition was completed.  The name was changed to the Alexander Inn in September 1950.  The hotel was sold by the government to Mr. W. W. Faw for $34,000 in 1958.  At that time, private bathrooms and a ballroom were added, and the kitchen was expanded. 
 

The Alexander Inn ceased operation in the mid 1990’s.  Since that time it has been privately owned and listed on  the National Register for Historic Properties it is in serious disrepair.  Saving the historic Alexander Inn has been a top priority project of the Oak Ridge Heritage & Preservation Association since the organization began.

On December 18, 2009 ORRE announced their  purchase of the historic property.