Along State Line Avenue in Texarkana sits The Lofts at the Grim, the central point of a years-long project turning an aged hotel in disrepair into an affordable, downtown living space for the city’s working families. 

“It brought us some challenges for sure, but the City of Texarkana and David Orr (city manager) played a big role in getting this project done,” said Brian Hall, project manager for The Lofts. “Saving and preserving this building brings a special feeling; especially knowing that it gives people an affordable place to live.”

The Lofts at the Grim, which began as the Hotel Grim in 1925, now houses 93 studio, one, and two bedroom apartments with some featuring original scroll plasterwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, or extra high ceilings from when the hotel first operated.

“We worked with a master at plasterwork, Craig Wilkerson, to reproduce any of the decorative features that were damaged or missing,” explained Hall. “It took him over two years to complete all the work you see, today.”

Hall explained careful considerations were given to replicate the original lighting, and to keep the original marble flooring and walls, and ironwork encompassing the grand lobby and second floor lounge areas. Residents will find amenities not original to the 1925 hotel, but much appreciated all the same, in the ground floor gym and laundry rooms located on each of the eight floors.

Also included in the renovations is the Palm Room, a large, open room featuring ornate-tiled seating and walls that will provide a place to host city or private events.

TDHCA supported the rehabilitation efforts through its 4% Housing Tax Credit Program, awarding $1 million in tax credits to help renovate the 93-unit property. The value of HTCs are worth an approximate value of $10 million over the 10-year term.

The Lofts at the Grim is located at 301 North State Line Avenue in Texarkana. For more information about the property, please call (903) 716-5569 or visit https://www.loftsatthegrim.com/. 

If you would like to search for affordable housing in your area, please visit TDHCA’s Help for Texans at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans and use our Vacancy Clearinghouse to search for properties around the state.