TEMPLE, Texas — Redevelopment is coming to the old Hawn Hotel, Arcadia Theater and the Sears building, since the Temple city council approved an economic development agreement in a meeting on Dec. 6.
The city said it and the property owners will work with Turner Behringer Development Company to redevelop the locations. The company said it hopes to start construction in 2019.
Both the Hawn Hotel and Arcadia Theater are part of the project's first phase, which will bring 40 to 50 residential units, as well as space for retail and a restaurant.
The second phase of the project focuses on the Sears building, and the city is still considering whether to convert it into a retail, office or residential space.
"We haven't fully gone into the specifics of it, of what each building is going to be," Jonathan Garza with Turner Behringer Development said. "But the mix that we are planning on doing is a mixed use development."
The city said it's been a while since this part of downtown was bustling with activity.
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"It's just sitting there, nothing's being used," Temple resident Alexa Peronto said.
Temple spokesperson Shannon Gowan said the Hawn Hotel was last used in the 1970s.
According to the Fred and Dale Springer Archives, the properties set for upgrades were built in the 1920s, and the hotel was the city's first skyscraper.
Temple Chamber of Commerce President Rod Henry said the plan is a part of a master vision for downtown Temple.
"It's an iconic image in a lot of ways," Temple Chamber of Commerce President Rod Henry said. "People talk about the Hawn, talk about the Arcadia and you think about the nostalgia coming back."
A Temple resident said they're excited about the renovations.
"It's really neat to see the Arcadia turn into something," Emma Tolleson said. "It has been like a big empty building, like for my whole life."