PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — A long-awaited change will soon be happening in the city of Pine Bluff— the old Plaza Hotel is being torn down to make way for something new.
It's a project that has been years in the making and one that could be completed sooner than you'd think.
"We are excited about what's to come. I always tell people I will never vote against progress, and tearing the hotel down, and getting something better for our city and community. I'm all for that," said LaTisha Brunson, an alderman for Pine Bluff.
For almost 10 years, the hotel has been sitting vacant. Recently, there was even a fire in the building and squatters had been found living in it. But before that, it used to be a staple in the community and was the only hotel in the city for several years.
"A lot of people have a lot of great memories there, but [like] with anything, if you don't take care of it then it doesn't have any use and it will fall apart," Brunson described.
Soon, a new Marriott Courtyard hotel will be taking its place.
It will be a multi-million dollar project that will bring back a much-needed hotel connected to the city's convention center where events, like King Cotton, take place.
"Now, they will have a place when they come to Pine Bluff. They can stay in Pine Bluff and those tax dollars can stay in the city," Brunson added.
Construction for the new hotel is expected to be finished by the end of 2025.