Demolition of abandoned hotels in Montgomery begins

The demolition of two derelict hotels that have been abandoned for a number of years has begun. 

City officials held a press release on Wednesday to make remarks about removing blight from Montgomery in an effort to reduce crime, remove unsafe structures and improve neighborhood morale. 

Speakers were Mayor Steven L. Reed, District 4 Councilor Franetta Riley, PIPE Director Kippy Tate, and Director of Inspections Marcus Dean.

Beginning on the week of April 13 crews began removing hazardous materials from the Candlelight Hotel on 1110 W. South Blvd and Days Inn on 4243 Inn South Avenue.

A recent announcement from the city stated that heavy equipment will be used to knock the buildings down in a week. Demolition is expected to take up to 90 days to complete. 

"For years the Candlelight Hotel and the Days Inn have stood as symbols of neglect and disinvestment and quite frankly black holes in urban renewal," said Reed at the press conference. "They've been hazards to our families, magnets for illegal activity and a drain on the surrounding neighborhoods. Progress in Montgomery belongs to all of our residents, not just those who live in a certain part of our city."