Will the Infamous American Motel in Wheat Ridge Soon Meet Its Demise?

The American Motel in Wheat Ridge, once a vibrant hub for travellers and locals alike, is set for demolition after decades of mixed reputation. Originally opened as a Ramada Inn, the motel transformed from a popular destination to a site of criminal activity and decline. Now, plans are in motion to replace it with a modern apartment complex, marking the end of an era for the motel known for its Elvis Suite and infamous history.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The American Motel has a storied past, evolving from a popular Ramada Inn to a site of numerous police calls.
• Demolition is scheduled for mid-October 2023, with plans for an apartment complex to take its place.
• The motel was a refuge for those with limited housing options, despite its declining conditions and reputation.
• New regulations implemented by Wheat Ridge authorities led to a significant reduction in crime associated with local hotels.
• The history and cultural significance of the American Motel have sparked mixed emotions among residents.

The Rise and Fall of the American Motel

In the early 1980s, Jim Lorentz, a Wheat Ridge police officer, recalls the American Motel as a lively establishment, originally known as the Ramada Inn. It featured a ballroom, a restaurant with an array of gourmet offerings, and an Elvis Suite commemorating the King’s visit in 1976. However, as time passed, the motel’s appeal waned. By the late 1980s, it had transitioned into the American Motel and became notorious for its cheap rates and association with criminal activities.

According to Lorentz, “It kind of became the opposite of what it was.” Over the years, the motel faced thousands of police calls, encompassing a range of disturbances and serious crimes, including drug deals and even a cold case murder in 2011. This transformation from a beloved community spot to a troubled establishment underscores the complex narrative surrounding the American Motel.

Impact on the Community

The American Motel provided an essential service for individuals facing housing insecurity, acting as a temporary shelter for many who had nowhere else to go. Cassie Ratliff of Family Tree, a nonprofit human services agency, noted that people often accepted the motel’s poor conditions out of desperation. “It was aged and it wasn’t that well taken care of,” Ratliff explained. The motel’s fixed rate of £32.95 per night made it a viable option for those struggling to find affordable housing in an increasingly expensive market.

Police Presence and Criminal Activity

Between 2020 and 2022, the American Motel accounted for approximately 30% to 35% of all police calls related to hotels in Wheat Ridge, peaking at 2,497 calls in 2020 alone. Chief Chris Murtha, who joined the police department in 2020, highlighted the motel’s notorious reputation. His first significant incident involved a fatal shooting during a standoff, setting a grim tone for his experiences there.

In response to the escalating crime rates linked to the motel, the Wheat Ridge City Council implemented stricter hotel licensing regulations in 2021. These measures led to a notable decrease in police calls and crime in the area, helping to reshape the local landscape.

Demolition and Future Plans

With the American Motel closing its doors in July 2023, its demolition is scheduled for mid-October. Tony Sherman, the property’s new owner, plans to replace the motel with an apartment complex that offers modern amenities such as outdoor courtyards, a rooftop lounge, an indoor fitness centre, and a dog park. This redevelopment is seen as a pivotal moment for Wheat Ridge as it seeks to modernise and address housing needs.

However, the transition has sparked a range of emotions among residents. Some view the new apartments as a positive step towards revitalising the area, while others lament the loss of a building that has been a fixture in the community for decades. The iconic American Motel sign, which has greeted countless travellers, will not be preserved, marking a definitive end to its legacy.

Community Reactions

Reactions to the motel’s closure have been mixed. While some residents express relief at the prospect of reduced crime, others mourn the loss of a unique part of the city’s history. The American Motel served as a backdrop for many personal stories, from romantic getaways to desperate odysseys in search of shelter.

Bonnie Botham, a former DJ who spun records at the motel’s ballroom, reminisced about the joyous gatherings that once filled the space. “It was such a fun place to dance,” she said, recalling the elegance of New Year’s Eve celebrations there. Such memories highlight the contrast between the motel’s past and its troubled present.

The Broader Context of Housing and Crime

The closure of the American Motel reflects broader societal challenges, particularly concerning housing and criminal activity. As cities across the UK face rising homelessness and housing costs, establishments like the American Motel often become last resorts for those in need. The intertwining of crime and poverty in such scenarios complicates the narrative surrounding these locations, making it difficult to separate the building’s legacy from the issues it has come to represent.

A New Chapter for Wheat Ridge

As the American Motel makes way for a new apartment complex, the redevelopment signifies a shift in Wheat Ridge’s identity. Chief Murtha describes this change as a “rebirth” for the city, an opportunity to redefine the area’s character and address the pressing need for quality housing. The transition also raises questions about what it means for those who lived in the motel and the ongoing struggles within the community.

While some residents worry about the potential for new, expensive housing to exacerbate existing inequalities in the market, others welcome the change as a step forward for Wheat Ridge. The fate of the American Motel serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between community, history, and progress.

FAQs

What was the original name of the American Motel?

The American Motel was originally known as the Ramada Inn before its rebranding in the late 1980s.

Why did the American Motel close?

The American Motel closed due to declining conditions, a rise in criminal activity, and new regulations imposed by the Wheat Ridge City Council aimed at reducing crime in the area.

What will replace the American Motel?

The American Motel will be replaced by a modern apartment complex featuring outdoor courtyards, a rooftop lounge, and other amenities designed to provide quality housing options.

How many police calls were linked to the American Motel?

At its peak, the American Motel accounted for approximately 30% to 35% of all police calls related to hotels in Wheat Ridge, with a total of 2,497 calls in 2020.

What impact did the city regulations have on hotel-related crime?

After the implementation of stricter hotel licensing regulations, police calls related to hotels in Wheat Ridge decreased significantly, leading to a nearly 30% reduction in crime in the area.

The story of the American Motel serves as a reflection of the broader challenges within housing and community dynamics. As Wheat Ridge moves forward, what lessons can be learned from this chapter in its history? #WheatRidge #AmericanMotel #CommunityChange