City of Port Arthur awarded $2.46 million EPA Brownfields Grant for former Hotel Sabine cleanup

(PORT ARTHUR, TX) – The City of Port Arthur has been awarded a $2,463,520 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through its Brownfields Grant Program to support the cleanup of the former Hotel Sabine property.

The grant will fund the removal of hazardous materials from the historic structure, including asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint, helping make the building safer for future redevelopment opportunities.

The EPA Brownfields Program helps communities assess, clean up and redevelop properties affected by environmental contamination. The funding awarded to the City of Port Arthur is part of a nationwide effort to accelerate the cleanup of underutilized properties and return them to productive use.

"The City of Port Arthur is grateful to receive this significant investment from the EPA," said Ron Burton, city manager for the City of Port Arthur. "This grant will allow us to address environmental concerns at the former Hotel Sabine, improve public safety and position this historic property for future redevelopment. Projects like this are critical to our ongoing efforts to revitalize our community and attract new opportunities for growth."

The cleanup of the former Hotel Sabine represents an important step toward preserving one of Port Arthur's most recognizable historic landmarks while supporting the city's long-term economic development goals. Work funded through the grant is expected to focus on the identification and removal of hazardous materials within the structure, creating a safer environment for future rehabilitation and investment.

About Hotel Sabine:

Constructed in 1929, Hotel Sabine was once considered one of the premier hotels in Southeast Texas and served as a centerpiece of downtown Port Arthur. Built as the Vaughn Hotel in 1929, it was rebranded as the Sabine Hotel in the mid-1930s. The building has remained a prominent part of the city's skyline and history for nearly a century.

Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, it was the pinnacle of luxury in downtown Port Arthur's heyday. The landmark building, located at 600 Procter Street, has a rich but turbulent history and remains a major focal point for the city.

The 10-story structure was converted to apartments in the 1970s before closing down completely in the late 1980s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the Downtown Historic District.

Over the years of its abandonment, the building has become a popular destination for urban explorers, history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.

Hotel Sabine is currently a long-vacant, permanently closed and deteriorating structure. The building is boarded up and fenced off.

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