HOT SPRINGS – For paramount public safety reasons, the public is urged to stay away from the barricaded premises of the remains of the yellow brick portion of the Majestic Hotel. The rest of the hotel property, vacant for several years, is presently boarded up, and public access is prohibited.
In a meeting earlier today, representatives from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality emphasized the extreme danger of trespassing at the Majestic Hotel site. Following last week’s fire and subsequent demolition of all but the ground floor, the site includes piles of rubble that could contain deep holes and a basement that could contain massive amounts of water resulting from firefighting efforts. In addition, ADEQ listed the environmental hazards that could exist at the site, including asbestos, lead and mercury.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors will consider condemnation of the yellow brick structure at its next regular meeting on March 18 as the first step towards addressing the property as a hazard to public health, safety and welfare. The public’s cooperation is appreciated throughout this time.