We have some intriguing old buildings in NWA but this is one of my favorites. It is located in downtown Rogers, AR. It has been known by many names but is currently known as Peachtree at the Lane.
From the Rogers Historical Museum:
Built in 1928 as the Lane Hotel for Little Rock owner S.A. Lane, this five-story structure was advertised as the first fireproof building in Arkansas. John Parks Almand designed the Spanish Colonial style building, which cost $150,000 to build. One-time occupants of the Lane included aviator Amelia Earhart, boxer Jack Dempsey, and actor Errol Flynn.
In 1935 Earl Harris of the Harris Bakery bought the building and changed the name to the Harris Hotel, which was known as the “Palace of the Ozarks.” The Orchard Room, added to the back of the hotel around 1939, was a popular restaurant.
From 1948 to 1963 Warren Felker and the Arkansas Hotel Company ran the property as The Hotel Arkansas. In 1967 the Defenders of the Christian Faith bought the building and opened it as The Defender’s Townhouse, beginning the building’s use as a retirement home. In 1977 Joe and Dera Keen bought it and renamed it the Rogers Townhouse. Since 1999 it has been known as the Peachtree at the Lane.
Thanks Casey! I know people that have been inside and they say it is quite amazing.
Hi Travis,
Great pic! I pass the building almost daily. Do you that it’s for sale? The only info I can find have different parts of the hotel listed for lease. I would love to walk through it and win the lottery and then buy it!
I am not familiar with the Hotel Riceland but I will definitely research it online.
I’m not sure who currently owns the building but I hear it is for sale. Apparently the original silverware from the early 1900s is still in the safe.
Travis,
Great post! I too love old buildings like this. Have you seen the hotel riceland is stuttgart, AR?
Do you know who owns the this building now?
GR