Then & Now
Hotel Collins Park
Hotel Collins once stood opposite the C&O Depot, welcoming railroad passengers to Covington. Its preserved columns now frame a public park where the community gathers for music, celebrations and everyday moments.
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116–126 South Maple Avenue
The story
A closer look
Michael M. Collins built Hotel Collins in 1910 to serve the steady flow of passengers arriving at the C&O station. The three-story brick building included four storefronts at street level and hotel rooms above. Its location made it part lodging house, part commercial anchor and part front door to the city.
A major addition in 1936 expanded the hotel as Covington continued to grow. For decades, the building remained one of Maple Avenue's most recognizable landmarks. After years of vacancy and decline, the site entered a new chapter rather than disappearing from the city's story.
Hotel Collins Park preserves the hotel's prominent columns and pairs them with landscaped green space, brick-style walks and a pavilion. The design keeps the memory of the original building visible while giving downtown a flexible setting for performances, weddings, photographs, festivals and quiet time outdoors.
A major addition in 1936 expanded the hotel as Covington continued to grow. For decades, the building remained one of Maple Avenue's most recognizable landmarks. After years of vacancy and decline, the site entered a new chapter rather than disappearing from the city's story.
Hotel Collins Park preserves the hotel's prominent columns and pairs them with landscaped green space, brick-style walks and a pavilion. The design keeps the memory of the original building visible while giving downtown a flexible setting for performances, weddings, photographs, festivals and quiet time outdoors.
What to notice
- The preserved Hotel Collins columns
- Historic signage and images of the original hotel
- The pavilion and event lawn
- Views across Maple Avenue toward the depot
Visitor note
The park is an outdoor public space. Event availability and rental details are managed through the City of Covington.
