**Erin and Ben Napier Tackle Historic Hotel Renovation in New HGTV Series**
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As anticipation builds for the premiere of their latest project, Erin and Ben Napier are set to showcase their biggest challenge yet in the new HGTV series, *Home Town: Inn This Together*. The couple, renowned for their transformations of old properties in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, are taking on the ambitious task of converting a long-vacant 1930s department store into a boutique hotel, named The Heirloom Hotel.

The series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the duo’s efforts in restoring a building that has not welcomed visitors in over 40 years. The sneak peek released on social media offers viewers an insight into the numerous hurdles that Erin and Ben encounter as they embark on this major renovation project. The hotel will feature 29 guest rooms, a lobby, a cooking school, and retail space, all within a spacious 25,000-square-foot area.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the renovations, disaster struck when the hotel suffered fire damage shortly after the teams had completed significant work on it. Although this setback would deter many, the Napiers remain unwavering in their commitment to revitalising this landmark in their community.
In the teaser for the spinoff series, members of the local community are interviewed about the necessity of a hotel in downtown Laurel. Their responses affirm a clear need for such accommodation, with one resident noting that “there are none” available in the immediate vicinity and others echoing sentiments about distant hotel options. The poignant testimonies highlight the importance of this project to both the townspeople and the Napiers.
The couple has enlisted the help of Erin’s cousin, Jim Rasberry, his wife Mallorie, and family friend Josh Nowell to bring their vision for The Heirloom Hotel to fruition. The project embodies a significant milestone for the couple, as Erin expresses in a candid moment: “This is one of those final pieces of a puzzle, and the very biggest and riskiest piece of a puzzle.”
Erin explains that the restoration of their hometown holds great personal significance; although much has been accomplished in the town’s revival, the presence of the neglected historic building has loomed as a constant reminder of what still needs to be achieved. She states, “It doesn’t matter how much progress we see; as long as its most iconic building stands vacant and empty and dilapidated, we will not feel like we’ve really done something.”
Within the sneak peek, the couple confronts various structural issues within the property, including flooding and the disintegration of original features. Ben urges that it is crucial to honour the original design of the department store during the transformation. “If you’re going to take a 1930s department store and turn it into a hotel, then you have to look at what this building was originally,” he remarks, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the historical integrity of the site.
Erin adds to this vision, noting her aspiration to recreate the aesthetic of the building as it once was, stating, “When the building is done, it’s going to look like one of those black and white photos of the department store has come to life.” The transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents a larger narrative of hope and renewal for the community.
The teaser encapsulates the excitement of their journey, showcasing the group’s reactions to seeing their plans taking shape. However, the preview also ends on an intense note, as Erin and Ben learn about news that could potentially alter the course of their project considerably.
The couple’s dedication to the Heirloom Hotel extends beyond personal achievement; it resonates with their desire to make a meaningful impact on their hometown. Their endeavour ties into a larger narrative of community uplift and resilience, amid the backdrop of a fire that is reportedly one of the most challenging moments of their careers.
Previously, Erin shared via social media the distressing news of a fire that engulfed the Heirloom Hotel on August 26, 2025. Fortunately, no one was present during the incident, and firefighters worked diligently to manage the blaze. This resilience in the face of adversity underscores the Napiers’ determination to transform the space into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.
As the premiere date approaches, viewers are eager to witness how Erin and Ben will navigate this transformative journey—not just for the hotel, but for the revitalisation of Laurel, Mississippi, as a whole.
