It looks like the long-held dream renovation of the Grim Hotel is several steps closer to reality.
According to Tom Anderson of the Cohen-Esrey Development Group, the project has cleared several hoops needed to get financing in place. There is more to do, but it's all expected to be done by the time they close on the hotel's purchase in February.
Cohen-Esrey is partnering with original developer Jim Sari on the renovations. Construction is expected to get under way in the spring.
That's good news. For as long as the Grim has sat empty, Texarkana has wondered what would become of the historical property. With any luck it won't be all that long before new life is in that old building.
We can't help but wish that a successful renovation of the Grim into apartments and retail space might spur something similar with the Hotel McCartney, which has been vacant even longer.
It's a sad sight, that once-solid hostelry behind the Bi-State Justice Building, its windows broken and facade derelict.
But maybe new life at the Grim means there is hope for the McCartney as well. At least we can dream.