Norman City leaders want the old Norman Hotel torn down
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Norman City leaders voted to condemn and demolish The Norman Hotel off I-35, in a six-to-one vote.
City leaders say they've tried to work with the owners of the hotel for the past decade, hoping numerous notices would initiate repairs.
"It started back in about 2016 when the hotel actually ceased operating. Since that time period, it's been in a state of disrepair. We've tried to work with the owners, we've issued a number of permits for them to go in and reconstruct or repair some of the damage." Rick Knighton, Norman City Attorney, said.
A recent report presented to Norman City Council shows numerous images that correspond with 56 code compliances, including health violations, unsafe structure, mold, vandalism, and is even becoming problematic for first responders.
City council members, recalling emails sent to the city from the owners, as they question why things have not been repaired or changed.
"We are taking the issues and letters received by the city of Norman and Fire Marshal very seriously with the intention to act quickly and aggressively as possible, and in that timeline,e I saw there was nothing quick and aggressive with dealing with these issues," said Councilwoman Helen Grant.
Ward 6 Councilman Joshua Hinkle was the only member to vote against condemning and demolishing the hotel.
"I have fond memories of that hotel. I know that we need more rooms in Norman, and I would love to reactivate that building as that in that capacity," said Hinkle.
The hotel has faced many foreclosures. In 2014, a foreclosure resulted in someone looking into what it would take to bring it back up to standards.
"At that time period, that number was 6.3 million. So that was in 2014. Obviously, that number in terms of labor and materials has increased since that time period," said Knighton.
Norman residents and Oklahoma travelers, sad to see it go, too.
"My husband and I actually had our wedding reception years ago, 20-something years ago, so it's kind of sad that it's gonna be gone," said Megan Roggers.
Judy Williamson, a Blanchard woman and frequent shopper in Norman, is disappointed to hear it's going.
"It's sad, it's really sad because we remember it when it was a working establishment, and it's just sad with the way it's been run down," said Williamson.
The building was built in 1984, and after 41 years, the building will come down.
The owners have 30 days to take down the building or appeal; otherwise, the city will take action.