Providence Suites deemed nuisance property

Mattresses, laundry carts and debris litter the parking lot of Providence Suites for another day. Businesses in the area, near Providence and Vandiver streets, said the old motel that closed around five months ago has now become an eyesore in north Columbia.

City officials said the property has been inspected and the city has issued the motel owner a violation for having a nuisance property. The motel owner has 10 days to clean up the mess.

City officials said they almost had a buyer for the vacant motel, but the person backed out last minute. “It’s a fundamentally sound building in a really great location. It’s really close — just down the street from the stadium — and could really have some potential as a hotel. I’ve still got my fingers crossed that a buyer’s going to come forward who’s going to maintain it as a hotel,” said Michael Trapp, Second Ward City Council representative.

City officials said the property owner has promised the debris will be gone by Monday evening. They said if the owner fails to clean up the mess, the city will pick it up and bill the owner.