The Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday, April 3, to allow Larsen Family, LP a Special Use permit for the old Arlington Hotelat 700 Cotton St.
According to a blog by Shreveport Downtown Development Authority Director Liz Swaine, the limited partnership’s stated use for the property is for the “Every Man a King” distillery. Every Man a King refers to a movement started by then-U.S. Senator Huey P. Long.
“We are thrilled that the Arlington has found a new life and new owners that want to return the building to use and usefulness! We are looking forward to the construction and debut of the Every Man a King project,” said Swaine in her blog.
Architect Kevin Bryan told MPC members that the project will include a new building that will house distillery operations, a large outdoor patio space adjacent to the property, and the total rehab of the historic building into commercial space for gift shops, tasting rooms, and more.
The Arlington has been vacant since 1990. It has caught fire multiple times, and most recently, a large part of the roof collapsed. However, the property has a long, colorful history that Shreveport DDA covered thoroughly and can be viewed here: https://downtownshreveport.com/distillery-planned-for-arlington-hotel/.
