Ben & Erin Napier Get Update on HGTV Show Hotel Ravaged by Fire
Ben & Erin Napier’s HGTV Show Faces Setback After Hotel Fire
In August, Ben and Erin Napier, the beloved duo behind HGTV’s hit series Home Town, announced their exciting new project, Home Town: Inn This Together. The show centers around the renovation of the historic Heirloom Hotel, a 1930s Kress building located in downtown Laurel, Mississippi. The Napiers teamed up with friends Mallorie and Jim Rasberry and Emily and Josh Nowell to breathe new life into the dilapidated hotel, aiming to restore its former glory and open its doors to the public.
However, just a week after the show’s reveal, tragedy struck. On August 26, a fire broke out at the Heirloom Hotel, causing severe damage to the building and threatening the future of the renovation project. The devastating event sent shockwaves through the Laurel community and left the Napiers and their friends facing an uncertain road ahead.
Erin Napier shared her heartfelt reaction on Instagram, expressing the emotional toll the fire had on the town and the team. “I don’t know what will happen next or if you’ll ever get to see this @hgtv show now. I don’t know much of anything,” she wrote. Despite the setback, Erin remained hopeful, trusting that there is a greater plan in place. “God has a plan for this setback. He always knows the way, even when we don’t,” she added.
Rebuilding and Resilience: The Team’s Determined Comeback
Despite the extensive damage, Ben and Erin Napier, along with their friends and crew, have not given up on the Heirloom Hotel project. On September 27, Josh Nowell took to Instagram to share a video update from the site, showing the team back at work tearing down damaged walls and floors. The video, captioned “Here we go. Again. Keep Building,” captures the spirit of resilience and determination driving the renovation forward.
Josh candidly acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “We’re about to tear out everything that we spent a year and a half to build. The good news is, it’s a lot easier to tear it out than it is to build it,” while admitting, “It sucks.” His honesty reflects the emotional and physical toll the fire has taken on the team but also highlights their unwavering commitment to the project.
In another post, Josh shared a glimpse into the demolition process, answering the question, “How do we demo a four story? The same way we built it. One piece at a time.” This methodical approach underscores the patience and care the team is putting into rebuilding the hotel, ensuring that every detail is handled with precision.
Jim Rasberry, one of the hotel’s key partners, was also featured in a photo standing amid the ruins, wearing a hard hat and reflecting on the long journey ahead. His caption, accompanied by a Bible quote, emphasized the importance of friendship and support during difficult times: “A long way to go. I’m glad for my old friend to help carry this load.”
Community Support and Future Prospects for the Heirloom Hotel
The Napiers and their collaborators have expressed deep gratitude for the support from the Laurel community and fans of the show. The team’s resolve to continue the renovation despite the fire demonstrates their belief in the project’s significance—not just as a restoration of a historic building but as a symbol of hope and progress for the town.
On September 2, the crew posted a message of encouragement and determination: “Round two… It’s never easy to start over, maybe even harder the second time, but we believe this town and these people are worth every ounce of our effort. ✨❤️ #TheHeirloom.” Erin Napier shared this post on her Instagram Stories, reinforcing the message that the project is far from over.
While the future of Home Town: Inn This Together remains uncertain, the team’s dedication to the Heirloom Hotel is clear. Their journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the power of community to rebuild and restore.
Conclusion
The update on Ben and Erin Napier’s HGTV show following the fire at the Heirloom Hotel highlights a story of perseverance and hope. Despite the devastating setback, the team remains committed to restoring the historic hotel and bringing their vision to life. Fans and supporters can continue to follow the renovation journey and witness how determination and teamwork can overcome even the toughest challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on Home Town: Inn This Together and the inspiring revival of the Heirloom Hotel. If you’re passionate about renovation and community stories, don’t forget to subscribe to HGTV and follow the Napiers’ social media channels for the latest news and behind-the-scenes content!
