Tom Reilley
Wood Pellets: Good Fit For a State Full of Trees
South Arkansas has been fertile ground for the wood pellets industry this year, as three manufacturers have recently started or completed projects. read more >
Update: Highland Pellets Closes $135M Deal to Fund Expansion
Highland Pellets LLC said Wednesday that it has reached a $135 million capital partnership with Orion Energy Partners LP to fund the expansion and upgrade of its wood pellet facility in Pine Bluff. read more >
‘The Dream Is Still Alive’ at Pine Bluff’s Hotel Pines
It’s been two years since Arkansas Business reported on the planned renovation of the historic Hotel Pines in Pine Bluff. read more >
As Casinos Come to Arkansas, All Ships Look for Lift
Jim Shamburger owns the Best Western Winner Circle Inn just across the street from Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs. When Oaklawn announced in mid-November its plans for a $100 million expansion on site to include a 200-room hotel, an 28,000-SF casino and a 14,000-SF events center, Shamburger couldn’t have been happier. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Pine Bluff’s Hotel Pines Undergoing a Transformation
Some people view a derelict hotel and see what has been lost. Others possess a different kind of vision: They see beyond what was lost to what remains and what can be again. Stuart Hee and his partners in the nonprofit Pine Bluff Rising are in the latter camp. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Hotel Pines Could Soon Be Site of New Dining Spot
If permit applications are to be believed, plans are in the works for a microbrewery and restaurant in the 200 block of Barraque St. in Pine Bluff and for a restaurant in the old Hotel Pines at 426 S. Main. read more >
Blueprint For 2018? Architecture Firms See Busy Year
Spending on construction projects across the country could rise by 4 percent this year over 2017, which is welcome news for Arkansas architects and engineers. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Pine Bluff Pellet Plant Faces Lawsuit
A Nebraska engineering company alleges it was stiffed for work done on a $230 million wood pellet plant in Pine Bluff. read more >
The Latest Chance for Pine Bluff (Editorial)
Pine Bluff has never lacked for boosters, but there must be more than sentimental nostalgia for a once-great city to create real, sustainable growth. read more >
Zombies Beware: Pine Bluff Is Rising
A growing army of developers and investors are on a mission of revitalization for the city of Pine Bluff. read more >
by Kyle Massey -