Last week, while being held up by a twisted back, I watched one of my favorite movies—an old one made in the 90s. The film, THE EDGE, literary nothing to do with an edge. It's a story of being a victim and then becoming a victor. Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin are lost in the woods and hunted by a bloodthirsty bear who wants to eat them. After losing one of their friends to the bear, Anthony Hopkins stands up and proclaims that native people would kill a bear to prove their manhood. He says, "What one man can do, another can do." This statement has stuck with me through the years and still resonates in my belief system.
During these past 17 years working as the editor of the 573 Magazine, I have met many people with that exact mentality, but none more than the super serial entrepreneur Carisa Stark. Yes, friends, she's done it again with her latest creation of the boutique Hotel in Perryville. I didn't even know someone could make a hotel outside the franchise system. If you haven't before, meet the latest 573 Superhero Carisa Stark, owner of Mary Jane Burgers and Brew, JStreet Eats, The Urban Lofts, The Tiny Houses in French Village, The Warehouse, and many other properties and Air B & B's and now The Atrium Hotel in Downtown Perryville. WOW, a private hotel? It's delicious.
...meet the latest 573 Superhero, Carisa Stark...
The Atrium is a historic building in downtown Perryville that Carisa, with the help of some mighty passionate people, has recently been beautifully rehabbed. Each room is a new experience that splashes Carisa's personality. Spend time resting and recharging in your private room, playing pool/socializing in the community lounge, or getting fresh air in the outdoor courtyard. It is located right behind Mary Jane Burgers & Brew and JSreet Eats—so good food and entertainment are not an issue. The Atrium is next to the local downtown nightlife, so you may hear noise between 10:30 pm-1:30 am on the weekends.
573: Tell us about the idea.
I always loved that old building. The beautiful arches in brick, the history, and the layers of different businesses & stories over the past century were so intriguing to me. I immediately envisioned a place for travelers to visit historic downtown Perryville. An experience. Something unexpected. Something part of me!
An experience. Something unexpected. Something part of me!
573: Tell us about the obstacles you had to overcome.
Restoring an old building is not for the faint of heart...multiple obstacles and a billion things to manage. Financing codes that are designed for new construction but apply to old buildings are very difficult to work through and, of course, the whole out-of-money thing. Describing my vision to contractors can be taxing at times, and that really, really out-of-money thing is tough. Time constraints, no mo money, sleepless nights, stress, more unexpected costs, and that really, really, really out-of-money thing is tough. Did I say not for the faint of heart? That all being said, I am very happy with the outcome, and I'm so happy to display some of my personal possessions in the rooms. Having part of me in each room helps me justify all this effort.
Describing my vision to contractors can be taxing at times and that really, really out-of- money thing is tough.
573: Is there a website?
We are working on some new things that better reflect my brand, but all bookings can be made at urbanloftsandmore.holidayfuture.com. I offer 24-hour check-in via private codes. A night's stay at the hotel is $135 plus fees and taxes. You can also book on any major travel site like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.
bookings can be made at any major travel site like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.
It's so cool to see what one motivated person can do. What one person can do, another person can do. Now, Get OUT There! Do something. Do anything. Get off that sunken sofa and live while you can. Time's a wasting.
Pics & Words - the Editor
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