The Warwick Melrose Hotel cleared land along Cedar Springs for an upcoming addition to the hotel. The old building was demolished last week and the land cleared by this Wednesday.
In 2011, the hotel purchased the property that was the home of the restaurant The Bronx since 1975 for a planned expansion.
Hotel General Manager Larry McAfee said construction probably won’t begin until June or July. Before then, the hotel has some zoning issues to take care of and will be submitting plans to the Oak Lawn Committee.
He expects approval to come before the City Council in March.
Current plans are to build a pool, spa and ballroom. McAfee said the new building will probably be only two stories. The hotel will also probably add about 100 parking spaces.
The building that was demolished housed some of the earliest gay-owned businesses on Cedar Springs Road including Lobo Bookstore and Under Arrest. When those businesses moved, The Bronx doubled its size and occupied the full building.
Also torn down was the old Spanish Village, a restaurant that was located in a building between The Bronx and Cafe Brazil (which was Steak and Egg Kitchen at the time). The Spanish Village building, which had been vacant for more than 20 years, was distinguished by the house that sat on top of the restaurant.
