CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO -- One 80 year-old historic landmark, home to Clovis, N.M. and once the tallest building between L.A. and Dallas, has been shut down and boarded up since 1985.
Now, after more than 25 years, Clovis is taking it back.
"The downtown area is the heart and soul of every community. That's where the town started, That's where it grew and so we just kind of want to get back and bring the roots back downtown and revitalize it. The way to really make that happen is to take care of the Hotel Clovis", said Mayor of Clovis, Gayla Brumfield.
Friday's Redevelopment Groundbreaking will mark the start of renovation of the hotel which, in about one year's time, will be transformed into affordable housing lofts with retail stores and restaurants on the bottom floor. But, the hotel isn't the only revitalization project Clovis Main Street has decided to tackle.
"We have new sidewalks, we have some private developments going on, we're hoping to attract some more pubs and restaurants and things like that so really there's a lot going on in downtown Clovis", added the mayor.
One Main Street boutique owner says, that's just what the town needs.
"If you parked your car and walked here, up and down the street all day, you'd have a great time. You can eat, you can see things you want to buy, buy for someone you love. It's just a great street", said Chickie Enger, owner of one of the new shops to Main Street, Cool Stuff Boutique.
Adding the soon-to-be renovated Hotel Clovis to the revitalized Main Street could just be the icing on the cake.
"You can tell that it's got a lot of personality but it's been neglected and so I'm happy to see that we're trying to keep a part of our history alive", said Mayor Brumfield.
"It's just charming", added Enger, "it's just charming".
