Historic Herring Hotel Renovation for the Hopeless
Every time I drive by this incredible structure, standing alone and desolate amidst clouds of insecurity, I see this sign:
“I AM NOT A HAS BEEN, I AM A WILL BE”
I look around and see the desperate faces of the homeless, who wander the streets of our city looking for anything that might relieve their desperation and I think, “These are the true ‘will be’s’ of our modern society."
They are so desperate to find more than just a band-aid for their problems.
For more than ten years now, I have been wondering:
“What would it be like if these people were offered a real chance at recovery? What would be the best solution for this hope to become a reality?”
And the Lord answered, ” Give them a place to live where they can regain their dignity.” (Isaiah 58:7, Psalms 10:17)
And so, this idea was born.
Now let us give them “Beauty for Ashes.” (Isaiah 61:3)
This magnificent structure features 14 stories and 600 rooms which could be converted into a residential recovery center featuring individual apartments which could be utilized to give these desperate human beings a foothold on life.
They could be counseled and helped to see the truth of the Lord’s unending grace.
And not only for the homeless but also for the desperate refugees fleeing the oppression and violence in their own countries to find a new life, a new freedom based on love.
I am praying daily for help and wisdom. I will need a very strong administrative team and many professionals to complete this project.
This is not an easy undertaking and one that will require the help and expertise of many caring individuals who know the true character of God and a great deal of money.
This building was built in the early 1920’s by a Texas oil baron named Cornelius Taylor Herring at the cost of $1 million, the appraisal value is now around $287,578, such a sad testimony to the lack of care placed upon this structure. This was a place for the then booming business of oil in Texas to meet and relax, to discuss their booming industry and create hope for the future. Structural integrity has been maintained and the interior needs remodeling. Acquisition of the property is the key to this project. The local historical society has been said to help from there, as long as the building is restored mainly to its historical beauty, which would not interfere with the proposed purpose of use for which it is intended.
The amenities of this great hotel included a wonderful dining room called the ‘Old Tascosa Room’, which featured incredible wall murals by a country artist named H. D. Bugbee whose work has been mostly destroyed by flooding. But once restored this incredible show place can be utilized to feed the homeless and provide unique dining experiences by contracting the help of local food industries willing to showcase their menus to the public while providing charitable meals for the residents.
This building is located near major event complexes, libraries, bus stops and other local charities making it a showcase for Amarillo by the unique character of its structure and the unique opportunities being provided for the public to get a closer understanding of what it is really like to be homeless , helping to dispel the fear. While giving these seemingly hopeless and forgotten individuals the special opportunity to be able to 'get back up on their feet' and reintegrate themselves into society with a new hope and a firm foundation.
I have great hopes for this project, but it will not be easy. As I stated before, it will take a major effort, lots of money and most important: The Grace of God and His blessing.
With God standing for us, who can stand against us?
I will need the help of many, not only monetarily, but in many advisory, management, construction, organizational and planning capacities. This will include the prospect of hiring and the emplacement of a dedicated staff to help administer and maintain all aspects of the ongoing organization.
So, I am reaching out here, to ask any and all of you, who believe and may want to donate time, management and planning expertise, or just money, to contact me.
So, lets get together to discuss this wonderful opportunity for healing and fulfill the Will of God toward the hopeless.
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