by John Kanelis

Amarillo Globe News

 

AMARILLO -- Count me as one who believes that downtown Amarillo has taken a major step forward on its journey back from the doldrums.

 

My wife and I spent New Year's Night at the new Marriott Courtyard hotel in the historic Fisk Building at Seventh and Polk. We took part in an opening-weekend party put on by Center City. It was meant to hail the opening of the new hotel, which aims to cater to business travelers. The so-called "soft opening" welcomed a large crowd of party-goers to the hotel. A grand opening is scheduled later.

 

I recall being in the Fisk Building just once before it closed some years ago. To be honest, I barely remember what the ground floor looked like all those years ago. But my wife an I can attest that the new place is a shiny hotel that figures to offer comfort to those who use it. The Marriott folks told us that they have a couple of wrinkles to iron out, but they're confident that they'll be fixed in very short order. (full story)