About

Built in 1875 and known as one of the historic Baldwin Homes of Montgomery.

 

 In the late 1870s, as the South was being rebuilt, Dr. William Owen Baldwin, one of Montgomery's most prominent residents ordered four homes to be built on Montgomery's South Perry Street, and another behind them. These were in addition to the home he shared with his wife, Celia, located about a block away. The Perry Street homes were built as gifts for the Baldwins' four daughters - Mary Hinson Baldwin Williams, born 1853; Jean "Jennie" Patton Baldwin Craik, born 1855; Cecile Fitzpatrick Baldwin Maxwell, born 1858; and Alma Ann Baldwin Bolton, born 1868.

 

Former slave James Hale built the homes.

 

Baldwin had a close relationship with one of the men he enslaved, Jim Hale, According to family lore, Baldwin freed Hale before the Civil War. Hale became a self-taught builder and After the war, Baldwin set Jim Hale up in business. According to archived documents Hale was an exceptional builder with skills and was trustworthy. He became one of the city's major contractors. Historic records note Hale died as one of Montgomery's first Millionaires. His legacy includes the construction of the Baldwin homes, Hales infirmary, Montgomery's first hospital for blacks and Hale contributed to the relocation of

 

The Gaitway Building has been designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners and art enthusiast with the life and legacy of Jim Hale always center. “ We seek to uplift Jim Hales legacy as we tell the story of the space he built for us (the future). The Gaitway Building is truly where history meets the future” Dr. Nichole Thompson. The building includes three primary spaces, a 2,000 sq ft condo overlooking S. Perry Street, premium office suites & a state of the art conference room, The Vanguard Room, a modern speakeasy for social and professional progress.