LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Back in 1917, it was fire station no.2, but 94 years later, it has become a worldwide destination. The first ever hostel in Arkansas.
Anyone who has ever visited MacArthur Park or the Arkansas Arts Center, has seen an old house off Commerce, on park grounds, at the end of the Arts Center's parking lot.
From 1917 to 1959, that was Little Rock fire station no.2. But, in 1960, the building was abandoned. There were several attempts to revive it, but it was destined to be torn down. But now, it has been reborn as a one-of-a kind vacation destination in Arkansas.
With a $100,000 donation, and the devotion of firefighters in Little Rock, and volunteers, the 94 year old building is being turned into a combination hostel and firehouse museum. There are over 6,000 hostels worldwide. They charge visitors to primarily European cities, a mere pittance to stay there, and in exchange visitors maintain the facility and buy food. It has been popular for over 50 years as a way to see the sights and mingle with the local population.
In the United States there are 80 destinations, well, make it 81 with Little Rock added to the growing list. Construction has just begun, with the hope of finishing the made over facility before the year ends.
But, for visitors to Little Rock, there'll be a bonus. There will also be a firehouse museum built into the hostel. Visitors can look at the firefighting history of Arkansas, complete with antique fire trucks that will be parked on the grounds.
Organizers are sure the new facility will quickly become popular because of its central location. It is next to the Arts Center, a mile from the capitol, and the Rivermarket and Clinton Museum.
Once it's done, Little Rock will have only the second firehouse hostel in the world. The other one is in Perth, Australia.