2007 Photo by Deb McCaslin
A devastating fire April 1, 2007, destroyed the historic Dierks Building on the south side of the square in Broken Bow. Thirteen central Nebraska fire departments answered the call.
After a devastating fire on April 1, 2007 destroyed the historic Dierks Building on the south side of the squire in Broken Bow that held one-fourth of it’s downtown business district, a new building has risen to bring in a new hotel.
This news release is by the Custer Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Deborah McCaslin.
BROKEN BOW, NE — Broken Bow took a heavy blow April 1, 2007, as a devastating fire destroyed one-fourth of its downtown business district. The historic, circa 1889 Dierks Building went up in flames, along with six businesses and a piece of Broken Bows historical past. By late evening that Sunday night, an estimated 1,000 on-lookers poured into Broken Bow and stood nearly speechless as 13 central Nebraska fire departments poured everything they had into the building. The fire smoldered for a week leaving only the buildings shell and decades of memories in the wake.
The One Box Pheasant Hunt Memorial sitting to the east survived, and Chapins Furniture and Decorating rebuilt on the west, but the land between for the last nine years has sported only grass. Owners of the Arrow Hotel, Anne and RJ Thomas, Matt Thomas, and Cathy and Wes Province had a plan, a vision, an idea. Spurred on by the work currently accomplished in the downtown area, especially to the bandstand and its square, Arrow East was officially born.
The vision for Arrow East has come true, and includes a two story building with hotel rooms on the second floor. There are 10 rooms facing the square, each with a balcony and sitting room, and 10 rooms on the opposite side with large windows and a bar area. Arrow East amenities include a fitness room and business area for their guests.
I have always loved Broken Bows downtown, said Anne. The city renovated the square in such a beautiful way.
The owners hope their project helps fill the ever-present void since the fire, and will bring additional business to the communitys downtown area.
The square is the jewel of Broken Bow, said Anne, explaining that when the 1928 Arrow Hotel was built there were seven other hotels in Broken Bow, not including the Commercial Hotel which was torn down to make way for the Arrow. Over the years it has had several owners falling into deep disrepair during the Great Depression. In 1932 the Arrow housed 72 sleeping rooms with a shared shower at the end of the hall. In 1984, with Ray Brown leading the charge, the hotels sleeping rooms were converted into 23 apartments. In 2005, current owners joined Brown giving the facility a much needed facelift.
Design principles for Arrow East are rooted in the same history as the original Arrow, including the same engraved sandstone signage, brickwork and vision.
We focused on bringing it all together, said Anne. We wanted it will look like it is a continuation of the square like it belongs.
Parking is on the first floor with entry from the south, the alley side, and yes there is a large elevator. The exterior embraces the old with the inside. New technologies featured include a kiosk for checking in, where someone can check in directly from the garage area, or they can walk over the original Arrow Hotel for a clerk to help with the procedure.
Architect, Larry Nelsen, oversaw the project. Nelsen is the same architect who worked on the Judicial Center and Mid Plains Community College. Chief Construction took the lead on the build complemented with local subcontractors all taking pride in the final product.
Combined, The Arrow and Arrow East Hotels house 46 rooms.
