Work has slowed on plans to renovate the former Hotel James in Marion into upscale apartments and retail space, but the city of Marion is working with property owners of another vacant building to get the complex cleaned up.
The status of two prominent Marion properties — both of which have stood empty for years — was brought up at Monday’s meeting of the Marion City Council. City Clerk Katie Reid gave the council members an update on the situation with both the old Hotel James or Marianna Hotel, which is located in the middle of downtown Marion, and the Westwood Chateau condominiums located behind the Lady Marian Plaza.
The old Hotel James or Marianna Hotel is located in the middle of downtown Marion. In 2021, Allen Roderick of Asheville acquired the historic hotel building at 14 N. Main St., Marion.
Former hotel in downtown Marion
In 2021, Allen Roderick of Asheville acquired the historic hotel building at 14 N. Main St. At the time, city officials said Roderick planned to create approximately 15 apartments in the old hotel portion and have retail space in the two store front areas along North Main Street. Roderick and his crew started working to renovate the multi-story 1910 brick building.
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On Monday, Reid said the renovation project has been deprioritized by the owner as a result of other pressing property management responsibilities. Roderick has put his focus to addressing leasing and tenant needs at other properties, Reid said. Efforts are concentrated on completing the tenant renovations for new businesses called Aaron’s Cheese Making facility at 44 Depot St. and Grace Appeals on the top floor of 34 Logan St., Reid said.
“Progress on these projects has been delayed due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene,” Reid said Tuesday. “While the buildings are well constructed, the storm inflicted damage that set Roderick back approximately six months and required the filing of nine insurance claims. As a result, the (hotel) project will remain on hold until these more immediate obligations are resolved.”
Because of the delay, city of Marion officials plan to meet with Roderick on Friday at City Hall. Council Member Ann Harkey said she wanted to be a part of this meeting.
“That’s still a question I get asked a lot. … It’s an eyesore on Main Street,” she said.
Council Member Chet Effler expressed his concern about broken windows at the property, and Mayor Steve Little talked about possible pigeon droppings in the upper floors of the structure.
In early 2019, residents at the 32-unit Westwood Chateau condo complex, located behind the Lady Marian Plaza shopping center, were issued a voluntary evacuation order.
Westwood Chateau condominiums
In early 2019, officials with McDowell County Emergency Management, the city of Marion, McDowell County and other agencies notified the residents at the 32-unit Westwood Chateau condo complex, located behind the Lady Marian Plaza shopping center, of a voluntary evacuation order.
It was the beginning of a series of events which led to the property being declared unsafe by the city. Since then, the buildings have been left empty and neglected. The buildings are still owned by the former tenants.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, a meeting was held at the Marion Community Building with the property owners, the city of Marion and McDowell County Emergency Management, Reid said.
The meeting was focused on a federal buyout program with FEMA that is administered through the N.C. Department of Public Safety Emergency Management Division. The owners of the derelict condominiums are able to seek federal buyout money through this program.
The hazard mitigation program can buy out owners of properties that are a hazard.
The property owners must complete and submit an application to McDowell County Emergency Management. The participation of the property owners has to be unanimous, said City Planning Director Heather Cotton.
Other business
In other business, the Marion City Council:
Said the city is in the process of recruiting a new city manager. On Monday, Feb. 10, the Marion City Council held an online meeting on Zoom with consultant Stephen Straus. The meeting aimed to get a general idea of the attributes the council will be looking for in potential applicants.
Voted to advertise the unpaid 2024 real property taxes. The advertisement will appear in the Tuesday, March 18, edition of The McDowell News.
Scheduled a planning session for Monday, March 3, at the City Hall.
Adjourned the meeting in memory of Steven Lytle, the assistant chief of Crooked Creek Fire Department, who died on Monday in an off-duty accident.
