Ever since 2021, City of Greensboro leaders have been debating about turning the former Regency Inn in Greensboro into a place that provides affordable housing units, and, now, after four years and many twists and turns for the project, the city is demolishing the facility.
That demolition work began on Monday, Oct. 28.
The former Regency is at 2701 O’Henry Boulevard in Greensboro, just west of Highway 29.
Over the years, city leaders have debated the best use of the property.
The old motel has been the site of vandalism and damage after the city paid $3 million.
The city just announced that the project was once again in motion as part of “a continuing effort to increase the supply of affordable and supportive housing in the community.”
According to city officials, the existing structure will be torn down, and the city “will welcome proposals from prospective developers to create an active and vibrant location that serves the community.”
The demolition of the once popular motel is expected to take about two or three weeks.
City of Greensboro officials warn that those in homes and businesses in the immediate area can expect to hear heavy equipment traveling to and from the site while the demolition work and cleanup job is going on.
Along with the announcement of the destruction of the former motel, city leaders also revealed that, sometime before Saturday, Nov. 2, they’ll make public a Request for Proposals for the development of the property.
The Greensboro City Council voted to take over the Regency Inn in August of 2024 after years of discussion as to how it could best be used.
Back in late 2021, the City of Greensboro voted to give the non-profit Partnership Homes an interest free forgivable loan of $3 million so that non-profit could buy the old motel and use it for affordable housing.
The city thought back then that the Regency Inn structure, which was built in 1956, could be saved and turned into useable housing. However, later, it became clear that that wasn’t feasible and the crumbling motel remains would have to be demolished.
In 2023, the city attempted to work with another group out of California but that project never panned out either. The city eventually ended that agreement.
In the early part of 2024, city council members made it clear they wanted to see movement in the venture.
In February, after the multiple incarnations of stop-and-go plans for the former Regency Inn, an exasperated Greensboro City Council Member Zack Matheny said at a council meeting, “It’s incredible; I have never seen anything as poorly facilitated as this project.”
The price tag for the project now stands at roughly $3.2 million between the city’s purchase of the property and other aspects of the project. The City of Greensboro paid just over $210,000 to Partnership Homes for the insurance cost and associated fees that that organization incurred.
A continuing snafu that will continue to suck away your tax dollars by a clueless city council.
Let me ask. Who was the Mayor and Leader of our City during this entire debacle? Pretty much sums up the complete failure of our current Mayor as the leader of this once fine City of Greensboro, NC! Wonder which Building they will name after the Mayor when she completes her last term? I suggest we name theI-85 Rest Stop in her honor or lack there of?
Jim Donaldson
It seems that Michele Kennedy is the common denominator in many of the failed projects that millions of tax payer dollars are wasted on. I wonder what her personal net worth has become while “serving the public”. As they say, follow the money….
What happened to the 3 mil?
Name something our govt does well.
I keep thinking: imagine what a good job of loose-leaf collection the city could have done with that money!!!
The city does one thing very well……waste money! Maybe they could waste even more money by bringing back disgraced assistant city manager Kim Sowell who was recently fired by Durham County.
Please, don’t give them any ideas. We have enough dead wood in govt jobs as is.
Totally agree with Streb. How many years did it take to waste 3M plus and end up with nothing?
Next chapter will be this time next year.
They will start next with the Summit Ave acquisition…YOU CAN’t make this stuff up.
Total incompetence.
“I’m from the government and I’m here to help “
Councils solution for homeless and economically struggling families;
“If you build it they will come “