“Home Town: Inn This Together” documented the transformation of a historic department store in Laurel, Mississippi, into The Heirloom Hotel. But just as the project neared its opening, a fire broke out, causing significant damage to the property owned by Jim and Mallorie Rasberry, Josh and Emily Nowell, and HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier.
Jim Rasberry & Josh Nowell Give Update About the Insurance Delay Following Heirloom Hotel Fire
During the May 30 episode of “The Heirloom” podcast, Jim Rasberry and Josh Nowell discussed the finale of “Home Town: Inn This Together,” which showed the hotel fire in the final moments of the episode.
While the plan is to rebuild, Rasberry and Nowell shared that the insurance claim process has been slow moving.
Rasberry said, “Insurance is good to have, but it’s also the process of going through that is very difficult.”
“It’s not easy,” he noted. “We do have insurance, but you know what? There’s a lot more time and energy and effort and money that goes into something than what an insurance policy would ever cover.”
He added, “But that’s neither here nor there. The point is that every day, there’s a challenge.”
They also shared some thoughts on perspective since the devastating fire. Rasberry explained, “Brick and mortar and all that stuff doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter. I mean, we’ll figure it out and we’re going to get through it. By God’s grace and will, we’ll get through it.”
“But the things that matter in life, that’s really where I need to be hyperfocused,” he added.
Many fans are wondering when The Heirloom Hotel will open, but there’s no clear date just yet.
Nowell shared, “We don’t know the future, but we know that we’ve been building in downtown Laurel for 20 years. And we’ve been doing it not for the financial gains because they are, as Jim explained earlier, very small. We do it because we believe in our place. We were born here. We live here.”
He continued, “We want to make it better. That’s what this has all been about for us. And so we don’t have an option but to keep building. That’s what we’re going to do.”
“We just know that no matter what happens, that’s kind of what we’ve been called to do in our hometown — to keep building. So that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”
Ben Napier Shares Latest Update on the Insurance Post-Fire
On June 1, Ben Napier took to Instagram to reflect on the finale of “Home Town: Inn This Together,” giving an update on the insurance delay since the fire.
“Last night’s episode was bittersweet,” he wrote in the caption. “Our friends worked so unbelievably hard, and we have never been more proud to be their friends.”
“The fire shocked everyone. It has felt like a death of a loved one in the community,” he continued. “It has been nearly a year since the fire, and our friends are STILL waiting on @libertymutual to complete the claim.”
“We don’t know what the future holds, but we know God holds us. Thanks for watching the biggest thing to happen in downtown Laurel in a long time,” the HGTV star added.
The Heirloom Hotel is more than just a beautiful historic building in Laurel, Mississippi. It is part of the heart and soul of the community—a place filled with memories, history, and Southern hospitality.
As the owners work to recover from the devastating fire, this is an opportunity for Liberty Mutual Insurance to demonstrate the true meaning of standing by its policyholders. Helping move the claims process forward and supporting the rebuilding effort would not only restore a beloved landmark but also help preserve an important piece of Laurel’s heritage.
What an inspiring story it would be to follow the rebuilding journey—from the first cleanup efforts to the day the doors reopen. Watching craftsmen, contractors, hotel staff, and community members come together to restore the Heirloom Hotel would showcase resilience, determination, and the power of people working together after tragedy.
The people of Laurel love the Heirloom Hotel, and many across the country are rooting for its return. Rebuilding is about more than repairing a structure; it’s about restoring a gathering place, supporting local jobs, and preserving a piece of history for future generations.
We hope everyone involved can work together to help make that happen as quickly as possible.
#HeirloomHotel #LaurelMS #RebuildTheHeirloom #CommunityStrong #HistoricPreservation #DoTheRightThing #laurelmississippi
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Lucy Emory Hendricks
How did the fire start?
I think it was an electrical fire on the roof.
It’s so sad that Liberty Mutual is dragging their feet on this. Not only is it holding up the movement forward but it’s also causing more harm as the building sits damaged and things deteriorate. I am so sorry for these wonderful people who have all devoted themselves to making their home town better. I pray that the people who are holding this up get their ducks in a row soon so the process of rebuilding can get going!
Kinda sad that HGTV doesn’t step up and help. They profited off the great work of these people, the least they could do is help fund the restoration.
What a shock! I just cried.
Ben and Erin are not one of the owners to correct what you wrote in beginning of this article.
I pray that Liberty Mutual gets it together.. I will be dropping them a note and hope that other viewers do the same.
I bet it would be great ratings if all builders from HGTV get together and help you all rebuild.
That’s why it is so important when checking to buy insurance you know how they are about paying a claim if and when you need them. Cheap insurance is not necessarily good insurance if it is not there when you need it.
Will there be a chance to donate financial help? Insurance will not cover everything and I am sure paying the loan is a real hardship!
We have followed this story and watched every episode. I am praying so hard for ya’ll and love your determination!! We are coming to Laurel on June 8th. We would love to be an encouragement to you in some way! God bless y’all.