Denver $9M Homeless Motel Sits Empty After Two Years
Property Purchase and Abandonment Timeline Hopes were high when the City of Denver acquired the former Stay Inn motel in 2023. However, the ensuing timeline reveals a significant disconnect between intention and execution. The City initially engaged in a purchase process that included rental payments amounting to approximately $833,333. Eventually, they committed $9 million to purchase the property. Despite economic factors such as high mortgage rates contributing to the broader housing market issues, the City managed to secure the deal. Their strategy was to transform the motel into supportive housing for individuals earning up to 30% of the regional median income. Yet, as of August 2025, the building remains unused for its intended purpose. The decision to list the property for as low as $10 highlights the urgency to reconcile purchase intentions with market realities. Nonetheless, a 99-year income-restricted housing covenant remains in place. The city's effort reflects a broade...