Rogers Lane Hotel work set to start

The old Lane Hotel in downtown Rogers.
The old Lane Hotel in downtown Rogers.

ROGERS -- Renovation work on the Lane hotel could start this week, according to officials working on the project.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo

An interior demolition permit was authorized by the city Nov. 18 for work to the Lane Hotel in downtown Rogers. The valuation of work is set at $384,993, according to the permit.

An interior demolition permit was authorized by the city Nov. 18. The valuation of work is set at $384,993, according to the permit.

The 1928 hotel is considered a landmark for the city. It has sat vacant since 2003.

KLS Leasing of Delaware purchased the building June 30 from Ninety Second LP, a New Jersey company, according to Benton County deed documents. County documents also show KLS Leasing used a Post Office box often used by Walton family entities such as the Walton Family Foundation.

The demolition permit uses the address 110 NW 2nd Street, Bentonville for KLS Leasing. The permit also states Snyder Environmental of North Little Rock will do the interior demolition.

The permit doesn't state what the renovation is for. Representatives with the Walton Family Foundation denied requests for information about the project Tuesday.

JKJ architects has been hired to renovate the building. John Mack, company principal, said he's unable to provide any information about what the building will be. Mayor Greg Hines also said he doesn't know what the use of the building will be.

Mack said hazardous waste abatement on the building could start today.

The Transportation Committee approved closing sidewalks and parking spots on Poplar Street for the abatement and demolition process earlier this month.

The abatement process should take about two weeks, Mack said. He said the interior demolition process should take about four weeks.

Committee members also approved closing parking spots and sidewalks for general construction for about 52 weeks earlier this month. Members placed a stipulation on the approval that Mack needed to talk with surrounding neighbors and the city's staff attorney.

Mack reported back to the committee Tuesday to say that had been accomplished. He said none of the surrounding neighbors had concerns.

Chris Griffin, staff attorney, attended Tuesday's meeting and asked the commission to revote on the general construction closure. He said the closing should include dates.

The committee again approved the general construction closing. This time it was dated to start Jan. 1 and end Dec. 31 of 2016.

Mark Kruger, committee member, said Mack could come back and make another request at a later date if more time is needed.

Mack said the plan is to have the building completed by the end of 2016. He said time-lines can be difficult to set with older buildings.

The hotel has had several uses over the years, most recently as a retirement home. It also has had several different names including Harris Hotel and Hotel Arkansas.

NW News on 11/25/2015

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