Troup awaits engineering report on structural concerns to determine future of Welcome Inn

By DAVID ADAM
Muddy River News Editor

QUINCY — Mayor Mike Troup expects to resolve the fate of a Quincy motel early next week when he reviews an engineering report on structural and safety issues.

Michael Seaver, building official and director of inspection and enforcement for the city, met Friday for a walkthrough of the property with representatives of the Welcome Inn, 200 Maine, and with members of MECO Engineering from Hannibal, Mo.

Troup said Friday night that the city notified Quincy Property LLC of Blue Springs, Mo., ownership group of the Welcome Inn, in January of safety concerns reported by Seaver at the motel property.

“There are structural issues,” Troup said. “They included the stairwell and the platforms in front of the doors (to the motel rooms). All the doors open to the outside, but some of the rebar holding the concrete has deteriorated or completely vanished. That’s not unusual for the age of the building, but it’s causing a structural concern.”

Quincy Property LLC at the time asked MECO to look at the property. 

“(MECO) came up with a rather detailed report that the city received a copy of,” Troup said.

Troup said the city retained an independent structural engineer to review progress made since January. He expects to receive the report early next week.

“Based off what that report indicates, we will take whatever appropriate steps based on those findings,” Troup said. “This is something that (the owners) have been made aware of over six months.”

Owners took out building permit for $15,000 in renovations

Troup said Quincy Property LLC took out a building permit for renovations “some time ago” valued at $15,000.

“We don’t know the extent (of the renovations) and if they completed all of those or not, but just based on the dollar amount and the preliminary review, there’s no way that would cover the extent of the repairs that were (necessary) in their own engineering unit review,” the mayor said.

Troup said he will review the engineering report with city officials and then make a determination about the motel’s future.

“We may determine what corrective actions are necessary and prudent. If they agree to make those changes, a time (to finish repairs) would be worked out in advance,” he said. “If the report comes back and there’s significant concern, we will be asking them to close if they don’t close on their own. We will take whatever actions are necessary to make sure the people there remain in a safe situation.”

Between 300 to 400 people living on property

The Welcome Inn offers single-night and extended stays. Troup estimates at least 85 rooms are rented with 300 to 400 people living on the site Friday.

No one has been evicted from the Welcome Inn. Troup said he contacted “various social service groups” this week to prepare for a worst-case scenario if the motel is closed.

“There is a significant number of people residing at the Welcome Inn,” he said. “We’re getting people together to make any arrangements. So if any action is taken, the day we’re taking that action, we will have a variety of social services available to assist these people. That includes going to a temporary shelter and helping people find alternative housing.”

The Eagle’s Nest Hotel, 300 Gardner Expressway, closed on Feb. 25. Seaver sent a notice on Feb. 17 to the owners of the building, Q ILL Development, to repair the alarm system and correct water issues. The owners voluntarily closed the building a week later.