From grim to glorious | Downtown landmark's future looking bright once again

Hotel Grim project manager Tim Minson, second from right, leads a tour of the downtown landmark Thursday afternoon as Gazette City Editor Christy Busby Worsham, far left, captures the scene. (Staff photo by Danielle Dupree)
Hotel Grim project manager Tim Minson, second from right, leads a tour of the downtown landmark Thursday afternoon as Gazette City Editor Christy Busby Worsham, far left, captures the scene. (Staff photo by Danielle Dupree)

Known as Texarkana's crowned jewel almost a century ago, the Hotel Grim's recent history of a decades-long state of dilapidation is becoming a thing of the past.

In recent months, the plywood sheets painted black have been removed from the building's first-floor windows and doors, inviting in light, hope and workers whose goals are to renovate and restore.

The building's exterior of stone, brick and stucco have weathered well, the building's structural integrity intact.

Once inside, signs of the building's former glory are evident.

The first floor's detailing is in keeping with prevailing colors and styles from the mid-1920s when the building was constructed.

Varying shades of sea green tiles line the walls, boasting wave-like designs on the top border. Many who have seen the tile work say it is identical to Hot Springs' iconic Arlington Resort Hotel.

The Grim's tiles, though some are missing, offer contrast to the faded ceiling medallions and the barren, tattered walls.

Architectural features such as high arched passageways and intricately carved column pedestals evoke the space's elegance.

Long abandoned, they will soon be painstakingly replicated to the original detailing.

The interior, particularly the first and eighth floors, hearken to the hotel's original grandeur.

Granted, water damage, vandalism and neglect have made the interior a dimmer vision of itself. Peeling paint as well as overturned and derelict furniture fill the rooms on the higher floors. In time, one- and two-bedroom apartments will be offered in this space.

The eighth floor is currently windowless, an empty space where the potential is as endless and breathtaking as the views. One can imagine the dances, the courtships and the social festivities that occurred on the top floor.

Hotel Grim has stood tall in Texarkana's skyline for almost a century. In the last 30 years, its condition has been a drain on our community's psyche.

But brighter days are here and ahead for Hotel Grim.

Talk of what could be done has transformed into action, progress that can be celebrated and chronicled.

To see people working in this long-vacant building already makes it appear a brighter place. Passersby have excited, expectant expressions as workers bustle though the tall building. It even appears as if Hotel Grim is regaining its vibrancy.

Make note: Hotel Grim is being recast and reset to reclaim its crowned jewel status.

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