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When we first visited the Hilton Hotel so many years ago, we knew it would be in bad shape. When we stood at the ballroom doors, this is what we viewed.
The destruction through the years was enormous and most everything was deemed unsalvagable.
Another aspect of the urgency (that has been shared with very few) to have the Hilton Hotel renovated was cats, specifically the kittens. In all the times that we visited the Hilton Hotel from 2011 to restoration start day, we discovered one deceased dog that had been left inside, and those remains were fresh with the smell of death. We never saw roaches, bugs of any kind, rats, birds, only cats. The cats kept the building clean, I'm sure. It was the dead kittens that we noticed. It was the young cats that we found many skeletal remains that continued to 2015.
I think you will have a better understanding of how vital the revitalization of this building was for the health and safety of the community, as well as it was aesthetically. We are so proud, as a community, to have worked together, hand-in-hand, to see this vision realized.
When you start planting acorns, the full-fledged oak may take years. And I was beginning to learn what all gardeners must know – patience.
Conrad Hilton
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How do we feel today as we reflect on the grand opening of the Conrad Lofts in Downtown Plainview? For Damon, his crew and Stacy with Wilhoit Properties, the job continues as they finish last minute details, move forward with signing leases and lead as the move-in process begins. This picture posted on the Conrad Lofts Facebook page shows their reflection after a significant event day.
As our downtown reflects on the kick starter day, we want to remind you that there are many improvements coming to downtown. The next five years will see significant progress. We want your input. If you have not participated in the community survey, here is the link. It is available through April 30. Downtown Survey
You may also be involved in the progress through the Plainview Downtown Association. Individual membership is 25.00 per year. Be in the know with your feet on the ground!
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In 2011, a small group came together to create a change.
It seemed impossible, but as Conrad Hilton said...
I learned that you don’t get anywhere by sitting comfortably in a chair. You had to dream! To accomplish big things… you must first dream big dreams. Success… seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. When you start planting acorns, the full-fledged oak may take years. And I was beginning to learn what all gardeners must know – patience. To see a seed flower, it has to be planted. It seemed to me they were so close to the present picture they couldn’t see a future. It always started with a dream.
And dream we did! This group played a very small role in the whole process of seeing the Hilton Hotel revitalized into the Conrad Lofts. From 2015 through today, MRE Capital, LLC (Jake & Daniel), Damon Admire/project lead, the entire demo & construction crew, and the Wilhoit group landed in Plainview, and we will always be grateful for your vision and the desire for perfection. You did not disappoint. Thank you!
Today was the ribbon cutting and the grand opening of the Conrad Lofts. There were about five-hundred visitors today that toured the Conrad Lofts and celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening. It was a day of excitement and reminiscing.
Thank you to anyone who touched the project in any way and all who attended today's festivities.
Ranada Jack and I visited today about the process. We agreed that to create change it just takes a small group with a dream, some hard work, and the right people to come along!
The Conrad Lofts is our kickstart of more good to follow in Downtown Plainview. Get involved!
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The Plainview Downtown Association met today and then enjoyed the Quarterly Coffee sponsored by Main Street. Fire Chief, Tim Gibson, who has been on the job since December, shared about his journey to Plainview from the Houston area, his family, his love for Plainview and its people from the moment he interviewed for the position. Chief Gibson has a passion for architecture and has a great interest in the historic buildings of downtown Plainview and their protection.
Jeff Stalcup, the Emergency Management Coordinator, also shared what his position includes, specifically risk reduction for the community. He encouraged everyone to go to the City of Plainview's website and sign up for the emergency notification system. It is essential that business and personal should have a separate registration. EVERBRIDGE
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