Providence Inn and Suites has new potential buyer

The Providence Inn and Suites motel in Columbia on Vandiver and Providence Road has a new potential buyer.

Mattresses, trash, furniture and debris littered the Providence Inn and Suites’ parking lot just days ago.

The city issued the property owner a nuisance citation and the owner cleaned up the mess Monday afternoon.

But over the weekend, Trapp said he got a phone call.

“I know because of the media attention that’s brought to the event that I have been contacted by another potential buyer who is pursuing a re-development project, really out of community spirit,” said Ward 2 Councilman Michael Trapp.

He wouldn’t say who the interested buyer is, but said the buyer is known for re-development projects in the community.

“I’m not at liberty to talk about any potential projects, but I know there are some folks who are interested in trying to reach out to the property owners to pursue a re-development deal,” Trapp said.

Trapp said they’re still in the beginning of discussions with the potential buyer. But he said he hopes the building will be restored.

“I think abandoned buildings are a magnet for trouble and we’re going to continue to see that, so I am hoping that something moves forward that brings that building back into productive use,” he said.

In the meantime, Trapp said the city will be keeping an eye out for problems on the property.

“The city’s going to be vigilant to make sure that it doesn’t develop into a nuisance, so hopefully management sees that and they’re going to take care of their property the way we expect all property owners maintain their property in the city,” he said.