HGTV Stars Restore Mid-Century 1960s Motel to Its Former Glory, including Energy Efficient Simonton Windows and Doors
The Arka Motel underwent a significant 90-day renovation, the largest and quickest project to date for contractor and craftsman Dave Marrs, along with his wife and interior designer, Jenny Marrs, the co-hosts of HGTV’s show “Fixer to Fabulous.” This extensive transformation included Simonton windows and doors, which not only improved energy efficiency and functionality but also offered scenic views for the motel’s guests.
Friends of the Marrs — Ryann and her wife, Kristin — along with two business partners teamed up to renovate and revitalize a dilapidated, 15,560-square-foot motel built in 1964. Originally named the Prairie Lodge Motel, the building hosts 23 rooms, as well as a lobby lounge area and pool. The investment team believes the space — with a fresh look and modern amenities — will appeal to families and couples looking to escape the city and explore the Beaver Lake, Arkansas, area.
“The new name is going to be Arka Motel — short for Arkansas,” Kristin explained. “This is such a hot spot in northwest Arkansas. It’s a dream come true.”
“My dad and I spent some time fishing on Beaver Lake when I was a kid,” Ryann explained. “This lake has great memories for me. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas, so there’s an amazing amount of opportunity here. We are so excited to be a part of creating another cool place to go.”
With the vision and muscle of the Marrs on their side, the investment team planned to update the guest rooms, lobby, lounge, office, pool and fire pit area in 90 days. However, the timeline simply would not be achievable without trusted building and supply partners, noted the Marrs. Luckily for them, they do work with a handful of brands that can provide their products and services on the expedited timeline — one such company being Cornerstone Building Brands. From sleek Simonton sliding patio doors and efficient, easy-care windows to durable steel siding, the Cornerstone Building Brands product suite helped Dave and Jenny usher the Arka Motel into its new era.
The Challenges: Addressing the knowns and unknowns of the project under a tight timeline
To refresh the motel exterior, all the buildings needed new roofs, lighting, paint, signage and door hardware. The pool needed to be drained, cleaned and resurfaced. Throughout the property, the landscaping and outdoor lounge spaces needed to be remodeled for functionality, safety and beauty. Of the $890,000 renovation budget, the team allotted $355,000 for the exterior.
“We need to focus on the exterior,” Dave explained. “If we can get the outside done and have a cohesive feel on the outside, the reservations will start to come in.”
“The 90-day countdown starts today!” Jenny exclaimed. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but if we can get the outside done first, I think that’s going to really help them. We need to get photos up and people to know that this place exists.”
The Solutions: Mid-Century flair with present-day function
Lucky for the Marrs, the investment team had a clear vision for the design of the Arka Motel. They imagined a light and bright exterior, minimal and clean landscaping, and an overall aesthetic heavily influenced by the 1950s to 1970s Mid-Century Modern trends.
Dave and Jenny kicked off the project by clearing debris and garbage from the property. They then replaced the leaking roofs and installed black soffit panels and gutters for a seamless, cohesive look. The crew painted the entire exterior white and the existing unit doors soft, muted green.
The team moved quickly to install the finishing touches on the exterior: natural-looking siding, new windows throughout the property, new sliding doors off the lounge and fresh landscaping.
Chic, clean sliding doors bring the lake views inside
Inovo® Sliding Doors by Simonton Windows & Doors were an ideal choice for the only second-floor unit at the Arka Hotel, because these four-panel doors reveal a stunning lake view. Those lucky enough to book the expansive upstairs unit, complete with an outdoor entertainment terrace, can enjoy beautiful Beaver Lake over morning coffee or a sunset cocktail.
“The tan color we chose for the sliding door feature makes me think of the lake beach a few steps away from the motel,” Jenny said. “The soft, natural color complements the black and white exterior, as well as the blue, green and terra-cotta shades inside.”
Simonton Inovo Sliding Door features
A variety of colors, hardware, glass, grilles and screens suit each project’s design.
The premium vinyl is designed for durability, thermal efficiency and resistance to weather, insects and decay.
The AAMA Gold Certification signifies best-in-class durability, weather resistance and energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR certification helps maximize the interior comfort of the space.
They come with a comprehensive Lifetime Limited Warranty covering the vinyl, hardware, screens and glass.
“These doors deliver a smooth, rattle-free glide, even amidst heavy traffic,” Dave noted. “Which makes them a great space for a hospitality space that needs to stand the test of time.”
Natural Siding: The perfect Modern complement to the black roof and trim
MAC Harrywood PLUS Steel Siding in Cork blends effortlessly with the contemporary design choices of the investment group. Plus, the sturdy, sustainable siding saved the crew installation time, as each panel was fashioned to fit one on top of the next.
“To attract guests, we installed paneling on the upstairs balcony to give the front of the Arka a warm and welcoming aesthetic,” Jenny said. “Being on the lake, the soft wood coloring ties so nicely to the natural setting around the motel.”
“The steel siding looks like wood, warms up the outside and pairs well with the existing stone accents,” Dave said. “But, you don’t have to do anything to maintain it. It will be there forever.”
Paneless windows drive modern, airy vibe across motel property
Simonton 5500 Double Hung Windows and Sliding Windows work great for a hospitality space such as the Arka Motel. The windows were custom-built to the unique specifications of each space — whether they were needed in one of the motel rooms or in the large entry lounge area. They are also highly durable and energy efficient, which saves on costs in the long term.
Simonton 5500 Double Hung Window features
Two operable sash provide flexible ventilation and tilt in for easy cleaning from the inside.
Glass units are set 3/4 inch into the sash for optimal insulation and interior comfort.
The one-piece frame and sash provide reliable strength and durability.
The region-specific ENERGY STAR® glass packages are designed to deliver optimal energy performance and comfort in any climate.
They are manufactured to the industry-leading AAMA Gold Certification Program, which ensures durable, weather-resistant and energy-efficient products.
Homeowners looking for peace-of-mind will be pleased to know that Simonton 5500 Double Hung Windows have earned coveted Good Housekeeping Seal*.
Simonton Sliding Window features
They complement Contemporary design with their streamlined, sleek form.
The sash opens within the frame for space-saving convenience.
They are perfect for replacing picture windows for added ventilation.
They feature easy-glide opening, making them extremely functional.
The region-specific ENERGY STAR glass packages are designed to deliver optimal energy performance and comfort in any climate.
They are manufactured to the industry-leading AAMA Gold Certification Program, which ensures durable, weather-resistant and energy-efficient products.
“The slider windows in the ground-floor motel rooms are easy to operate and allow fresh lake air to flow through the room,” Jenny said.
The Reveal: A Modern lakeside oasis
“Well, we’ve invested about everything we have,” Ryann, Kristin and the team joke. “So, I hope we like it. Drumroll!”
From the signage, paint job, and hardware accents to the functional updates such as the roof, pool revamp, and windows and doors that offer a scenic view of the lake, the investment team was in awe of what Dave and Jenny were able to achieve in such a short time frame. Inside, the relaxing rooms were designed for function and comfort. Outside, the team crafted a recreation enthusiast’s paradise. The tile, paint colors and furniture selections, both indoors and outdoors, are reminiscent of the Mid-Century Modern era and tie together seamlessly to create a uniform yet quirky motel design.
“I can really see guests sitting out here, drinking their coffee and taking in the lake. It’s amazing,” Kristin said. “The hotel is like a tropical paradise with an old black and white Hollywood feel.”
After walking through the motel, the team gushed over the Marrs’ ability to capture their vision and turn it into a reality. They already have reservations on the books and look forward to families making the Arka Motel their special vacation retreat for years to come.
“I know that they are so excited to get this business rolling,” Dave said. “Get it off the ground and start renting these rooms out. I really do think they’re going to be really successful.”
Tune in for more renovations featuring the Cornerstone Building Brands family of brands
Dave and Jenny Marrs featured the Arka Motel in the sixth season of their HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous.” Watch episodes “Lakeside Motel Overhaul” and “Race To Renovate for Check-In” to see how it came together. Learn more about the Marrs’ partnership with Cornerstone Building Brands and the Simonton windows and doors that were part of this renovation.
*5500 and 6500 Double Hung Windows, DaylightMax® and 6200 Sliding Window have earned the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal.
