Building watch update: permit could be new beginning for Ben Milam Hotel

Last week, Houstonist mentioned that the long-abandoned Ben Milam Hotel's future was looking quite unstable. Between old demolition permits, the neighboring hotel biting the dust, and the worry that accumulates after watching a building sit for a couple decades, the outlook was not good.

Good news may be on the horizon, though. Last friday, a construction permit was issued for Ben Milam's address. The construction is actually in the form of interior demolition, but that usually means a rehab. Arc Abatement, Inc. purchased the permit, so we're hoping they are cleaning up all the old asbestos and lead so the building can eventually be renovated, instead of cleaning up so asbestos won't spray over Vic and Anthony's during demolition.