It's an eyesore in downtown Harlingen, but Cheryl LeBerge, Downtown Manager for the City of Harlingen, said this is one historic building they just couldn't bare, to tear down.
LeBerge said, "It opened in 1927 as the Reese Wil-Mond Hotel, and it was the premiere hotel at the time."
It was built so close to the railroad track that people would come and stay because it had air-conditioning, it was fire safe and only cost $2.50 a night, at that time.
In the 1970's, it was turned into Heritage Manor for senior housing.
Now, after years of it abandoned, it's going to be called Reese Plaza.
LeBerge told Action 4 News it will be used for more than just office space.
“The first floor is going to have an Italian restaurant, coffee shop and other retail spaces. Then, there will be office spaces on the second and third floors. And, upscale condos will be built on the third through fifth floors," added LeBerge.
She also felt the City of Harlingen is growing just as fast as any other city in the Valley.
Renovations are already underway that include the side for the Italian restaurant called "Colletti's."
The restaurant is set to open in February of 2010.
LeBerge said, "A lot of these older buildings do require TLC, but they do represent the hopes and the dreams of those that built this community. It’s wonderful to see them restored."
They do plan to work on one floor at a time, but LeBerge said it shouldn't be too long before the whole building is opened.
If you are interested in investing in the Reese Plaza building for living or for business, go the Downtown Harlingen website.
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