May 3, 2023
By Landry Brewer
Soon there will be one less unsafe, unused building in town.
The Red Carpet Inn, formerly the old LaQuinta Inn, on the east side of Elk City near Interstate 40 Exit 41, is being demolished.
“We have a number of hotels that are uninhabitable, and that one was declared dilapidated by the City Commission,” said City Manager Tom Ivester.
According to the State of Oklahoma’s legal definition, a dilapidated structure “is in a state of decay or partial ruin” and is unsafe for the public.
This motel fit that description when the City Commission declared it dilapidated.
To his credit, the hotel’s owner took appropriate action when notified by the City.
“The motel is privately owned, and the owner is tearing it down, hopefully for future development on the property,” Ivester said.
Demolition isn’t cheap.
According to Ivester, the owner will likely pay between $150,000 and $200,000 to demolish the motel and clear the property of debris.
“We applaud the owner for doing the right thing,” Ivester said.
This process eliminates an unsafe building, beautifies the area, and makes the property available for new business, all of which benefits the public.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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