By Lucky Kidd
SALINA, Kan. — The owner of Hutchinson’s Atrium Hotel and Conference Center has been ordered to repair or demolish a closed hotel property in Salina. Following a public hearing, Salina City Commissioners Monday adopted a resolution declaring the former Ambassador Hotel on West Crawford dangerous and unsafe.
Sean Furbeck, Dangerous and Dilapidated Structure Specialist with the city of Salina’s Development Services Department, gave an overview of their process, saying eight items have been abated by the city since 2021, including boarding up of windows which in some cases were gone within 24 hours. The Ambassador was closed in 2020.
On March 24, a fire occurred at the hotel, during which evidence of illegal activity was found. Following a search warrant executed on the hotel in July, a number of violations were found. During inspections, city staff wore respirators for safety reasons, including extensive presence of mold.
Furbeck reviewed 11 factors that can be used to determine if a property is dangerous or unsafe under Salina city codes. Evidence was found to support ten of the eleven factors. Conditions of the Ambassador are similar to what was identified when the Hutchinson City Council set a show cause hearing for the Atrium. The Ambassador also has holes on the roof where access can be made to it.
Property owner Joshua Joseph addressed the council, and said it was his initial intent to demolish the Ambassador and construct a strip shopping center, zoning changes for which were turned down. He also said he made various offers to rehabilitate the site including clearing it for an apartment development, which the city also rejected, in part because of the precedent it would set.
Joseph said he would be willing to demolish the property if the city would be willing to remove and dispose of the resulting debris at no cost to him, which the City Commission turned down on recommendation of staff.
In the adopted resolution Joseph was ordered to take immediate steps to either demolish or rehabilitate the property, directing completed applications for that to be submitted no later than Aug. 30, or if he were to opt to undertake repairs to make it safe and secure, have complete building permit applications by Oct. 21.
At their meeting on July 6, the Hutchinson City Council set a similar public hearing on the Atrium for Aug. 20.
