The St. Nicolas Hotel was the third major hotel in Albany. Designed by the Atlanta firm of Bruce & Everett to be a railroad hotel, it played host to travelers of many occupations, including carnival performers. One carnival couple, performing in the Haag Circus, gave birth to a son here in 1916. His name was Harry James and he was one of the most successful band leaders of the 1930s and 1940s. The property suffered major damage in the tornado of 10 February 1940 and was rebuilt from the remaining structure. It was known as the Lee Hotel upon re-opening.

National Register of Historic Places