HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Several restoration and renovation projects have been underway in Hot Springs and three buildings are set to be brought back to life.
Those projects could benefit the hospitality industry in the spa city which gets millions of visitors a year.
"Part of the ambiance of Hot Springs, it is great to see these buildings being saved and reused," Visit Hot Springs CEO, Steve Arrison said.
Over the next few years, locals and visitors will notice some changes to downtown Hot Springs. Three buildings, all within short walking distance from each other, are getting facelifts.
"They're bringing them back, bringing life back to it," Arrison explained.
He also said that about 9 million people visit the spa city each year, so giving them more options for hotels will be a big help.
The Arlington Hotel is currently being restored and the Park Hotel will be renovated soon.
The Medical Arts Building that is right across the street from the Arlington will eventually become a hotel too.
"It's great right down here where you're right across the street from Hot Springs National Park," He said.
The Park Hotel is in the beginning stages of its renovation and owner Josef France said he's happy to update it.
"We're going to make it kind of a condo hotel situation, and we're adding amenities, which is going to be like a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art workout facility, and a conference room," France said.
He also said that the hotel will have 86 rooms and they're expanding the lobby and bar downstairs.
"It's gratifying. It's a lot of work. But so we're working with architects now to draw up the things that we're going to change," France explained.
He also plans to keep its historic charm.
According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Harry Truman stayed at the hotel very often, and he loved to be in his favorite room— 401.
"It's a Spanish revival building. And we want to keep it with that kind of style and feel while adding new amenities. And, of course, making it a lot better same time," he said.
France hopes to have the updates to the Park Hotel finished by July 2025.
