In Palacios, historian J.P. Bryan has purchased the historic Luther Hotel, saving it from demolition. Bryan, related to Texas founder Stephen F. Austin, plans to restore the 1903 landmark as a cultural and economic asset for Palacios. The sale follows a grassroots campaign to “Save the Luther” after it was nearly demolished in 2022. Bryan’s vision aims to rejuvenate the hotel, much like his past restorations of other Texas landmarks.