Downtown Renaissance

From small businesses to major renovations, new life is coming to Texarkana’s historic heart

TEXARKANA — Three major revitalization projects and an infusion of locally owned small businesses have Texarkanians buzzing about the rebirth of downtown.

Renovation of the Hotel Grim, the former Texarkana National Bank building and the Courthouse Square are well underway, and new entertainment districts created on either side of the state line point toward a new future for downtown as a destination just for the fun of it.

Completion of the multi-million dollar conversion of the once-derelict Hotel Grim into an affordable apartment building is expected sometime this year. The work has ranged from delicate to titanic, including everything from recasting ornamental plaster moldings to the removal of tons of debris.

The Texarkana National Bank building and its parking garage, too, are getting makeovers, with local developers aiming to restore their original looks. Both this year were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plans include conversion into apartments and short-term rental properties.

Both Texarkanas have teamed up to beautify one of Texarkana’s most-visited spots, the grounds of the downtown federal courthouse and post office. New landscaping and amenities such as information kiosks soon will greet tourists eager to have photos taken in front of the distinctive building, with one foot on either side of the state line.

Texarkana, Texas, joined Texarkana, Arkansas, this year in creating a downtown entertainment district where visitors can enjoy a cold beer, daquiri or other alcoholic beverage outdoors. The possibilities are inspiring new businesses to open downtown such as Crossties, an entertainment venue on the Arkansas side of Broad Street with an outdoor concert and festival space.

Other small businesses are also getting on board. The Beauty Barr salon moved from one downtown location to a different, remodeled one, and another salon, Campbell and Co., took over its old space. In the course of only a few years, Texarkana’s historic downtown has gone from lackluster to enticing, and the future looks ever-brighter.

File photo by Kelsi Brinkmeyer ■ To make room for fire-escape stairways at the Hotel Grim, large sections of each floor were cut out and removed, creating about 300 tons of debris, as shown in this October, 2020 file photo. The stairway will be lowered into place from the roof using a crane.

Staff photo by Kelsi Brinkmeyer ■ The recent work being done on the courthouse square project includes laying sidewalks and curbs, above.

Staff photo by Kelsi Brinkmeyer ■ RIGHT: Restoration of the former Texarkana National Bank building's granite, terracotta and brick exterior is under way.

Staff photos by Christy Busby Worsham ■ Restoration work continues on the Hotel Grim, above, and Texarkana National Bank Building, right.