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A 96-room motel is on sale for just $10 in the US, but there’s a catch

Despite its current state, the motel—spanning four levels—has received some updates from its previous owner, including upgraded kitchenettes and a new sprinkler system.

Motel Denver representational imageThe motel must remain a shelter for low-income residents until 2125, one condition says. (Representational)

The city of Denver in the United States is selling an entire 96-room motel for just $10. But there is a catch, obviously. The buyer will have to commit to an extensive renovation project and convert the building into long-term supportive housing for the homeless.

The former Stay Inn, located in the Mile High City, was purchased by the Denver administration in mid-2023 for approximately $9 million. Since then, the only upgrades made have been “minor repairs” to maintain the structure. Now, city officials are looking for a buyer willing to take on the significant task of transforming the property into a housing facility, according to Fox 31 Denver.

While the price tag may be negligible, the conditions attached to the sale are not for the faint-hearted. The building, sold in an “as-is” condition, requires major structural repairs, including work on walkways, railings, and electrical systems, as per The Denver Post.

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Despite its current state, the motel—spanning four levels—has received some updates from its previous owner, including upgraded kitchenettes and a new sprinkler system. However, whoever takes on the challenge will need deep pockets to fund a full-scale transformation.

Denver city officials are eager to finalise the deal before the end of 2024, aiming to fast-track the redevelopment process in response to the city’s homelessness crisis. The number of homeless individuals in the metro area surged by 10 per cent between 2023 and 2024, with nearly 10,000 people now without permanent shelter, local reports say.

The most important condition of the sale is that the new owner must operate the building as income-restricted housing for at least 99 years. This means the property must remain a shelter for low-income residents until 2125, ensuring long-term support for those in need.

Any deal will require approval from the Denver City Council before moving forward. As of now, negotiations are ongoing with potential developers, though no firm has been selected, the New York Post reported.

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Though the motel itself remains vacant, the property is currently being used to provide temporary shelter. Dozens of shed-like structures have been set up in the parking lot, offering a short-term housing solution for those in need.

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