Nearly 150 guests attended the August 14th groundbreaking ceremony for the Caravan Court Hotel, expected to open in 2026. A special thanks to Georgie Zang and Jamie Adams of Zang | Adams Real Estate for inviting me to the event!
Caravan Motor Hotel
The Caravan Motor Hotel opened at 908 E. Division Street in 1961, the same year Six Flags began operations. Indeed, with the motel only a few miles from Six Flags, many travelers to (and passing through) Arlington choose the Caravan for their lodging needs. The property remained a popular place to stay for decades.
Postcard for the Caravan Motor Hotel – early 1970s
Despite once being a popular lodging destination, the Caravan Motor Hotel recently fell into hard times. The vibrant colors of the motel were faded, one of the palm trees on the iconic sign was long gone, and the run-down property had become a magnet for unwanted activity.
Caravan Motor Hotel sign – November 2022
Caravan Court Hotel
In June 2024, though, developers announced that the Caravan Motor Hotel would get a new life. A boutique hotel, the Caravan Court Hotel, will soon stand in its place, with throwbacks to the former tourist court, including the iconic sign. Developers plan to incorporate mid-century design elements with architectural, art, and automotive aesthetics. The hotel is anticipated to start a revitalization effort along the Division Street Corridor—sparking a revived interest in the historic Bankhead Highway while further adding to Arlington’s diverse tourism brand.
Caravan Court Hotel – logo
The August 14th groundbreaking ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, with guests enjoying refreshments and a social hour before the event. Anticipation grew while folks mingled. “This is awesome,” said one guest. “This is so exciting, a game-changer,” said another. “Let’s bring back the Bankhead Highway, baby!” another exclaimed. Indeed, standing in the shadow of the former motel, which was in the process of being torn down, there was excitement in the air. The Caravan’s skeleton amid demolition and construction equipment, juxtaposed with renderings of the new property, allowed the past, present, and future to intersect into a new beginning.
Renderings of the new Caravan Court Hotel
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, former Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, and DWG Mayor Laurie Bianco attended the event. Other attendees included representatives from city council, city employees, economic development, chamber of commerce, and tourism. Further, folks from the investment, real estate, demolition, architectural, design, and construction teams were also present to help celebrate the event.
Shovels ready to break ground
Distinguished guests, including Mayor Ross, at the groundbreaking ceremony
A few guests spoke at the ceremony.
Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, commented that it was a meaningful property that would stand on the shoulders of others, fueled by the right partnerships.
Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton spoke of how the property would have a strong homage to the history.
“How cool is this?” remarked Mayor Ross. He spoke of how the project would be more than simply a hotel; it would catalyze the Entertainment District and Downtown Arlington, helping to connect the two districts.
The project is led by Sam Mahrouq, a UTA graduate, investor, and business owner who bought the property several years ago. He also owns the adjacent car dealership, which will be torn down as part of the new project. He has ambitious plans for the property. The upscale hotel will feature 145 rooms, 7 suites, a swimming pool, a signature restaurant, a martini lounge bar, event space, valet parking, and other amenities. He enthusiastically commented, “MAGA: Make Arlington Great Again,” to cheers and applause. Mahrouq was presented with a vintage-styled painting of the old motel, which would look great in the new hotel lobby.
It was said to be a transformative day for Arlington.
Painting presented to owner Sam Mahrouq
Blog post & photos by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-15-24
Jason S. Sullivan 