The D-G this morning followed up on a report by Arkansas Business that the closure of the Majestic Hotel in Hot Springs was in the offing.

We can provide more details. The closure date, accordng to our sources, is pegged at Oct. 20, though it could be extended depending on the timetable for the new development. We’d written last year about plans to tear down a part of the existing structure to convert the old place into a “boutique hotel.” That plan  has apparently fallen by the wayside.

Advertisement

The new idea, not yet fully nailed down, is a sale to Little Rock investors for conversion of the hotel into a condo project, with some commercial elements, likely retail/restaurant. The idea is to replicate the River Market living experience in Hot Springs. There’s even talk of a deluxe Asian-style spa, relying on the famous local waters. There could be some state participation in the deal in the form of bond financing. Some of the old structure would come down in the process, including the unlamented Lanai addition added in the 1950s.

 

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Polling Next article To do Tuesday: Cryptic show