Hotel Seville Marks $3M Renovation
by January 1, 2009 12:00 am 91 views
Another major project in Harrison is complete.
In April, a new, $25 million patient tower at the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center opened; on Oct. 24 a $3.75 million transformation of Regions Plaza into the new L.E. Gene Durand Conference Center at North Arkansas College was dedicated.
On Dec. 8, partners Jack A. Moyer and Don Alberson celebrated the end of a $3 million restoration of the 1929 Hotel Seville just across Main Street from the Durand Center.
“This building, this historic structure, this keystone to historic downtown Harrison is another vital link in the economic development of not only downtown but all of Harrison and Boone County,” Moyer said. “Its revitalization and sustainability will not only secure greater tax revenues, but it will move the perception of our town and revitalize a downtown area that is too good to let fall to the wayside.
“This is why Don Alberson and I decided to invest our expertise in historic preservation partnered with our dollars and those of our investors to step out and step up on this project. It was — and is — the right thing to do.”
The nearly 80-year-old hotel now offers 57 guest rooms, banquet and meeting space for a 100 and a new restaurant/club called John Paul’s Restaurant and Gathering Place.
The eatery is named in honor of Harrison native and former U.S. Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt. Alberson estimated that the multiplier effect of the restoration project was a $6 million benefit to the area.
“This ‘new’ hotel can once again become the center for local celebrations such as weddings, reunions, parties and dinners,” said RoAnna McDaniel, the Seville’s director of sales. “Everyone prefers holding memorable events in a historic structure. We have started fast as already we have over 20 events in December and numerous upcoming planned events on our books. It is quite exciting to say the least.”