TEXAS— Lantana Ridge Lodge, the first hotel, restaurant and convention center based here that was built with private money, closed 16 months after its August 2000 debut, when developer Larry Lakes walked out, broke. However, hopes are high as investors from Tarrant County offered to buy the note from the bank and assume the states contract. These newcomers feel that they can turn the place round. The investment group dubbed Nature Leisure Time intend to remodel, expand and reopen the lodge by March of 2003. Specific plans include building a 250-boat marina in a cove below the lodge, clearing out an area for 50 recreational vehicles and adding eight lakeside cabins. Also, the rooms would be outfitted with satellite television, and the restaurants menu would be revised.
