The City of Hutchinson is moving forward with addressing the safety concerns surrounding the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1400 N Lorraine Street.
“The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority,” City Manager Enrico Villegas said. “The current state of the Atrium Hotel poses significant risks, and it is essential that we take immediate action to protect our residents.”
On July 2, 2024, the City Council will meet to schedule a public hearing for August 20, 2024, to discuss the potential condemnation and demolition of the property.
“The City has determined that this structure is a substandard building and constitutes an unsafe and dangerous building,” the official city press release said.
The City conducted an inspection of the hotel and identified several critical safety issues:
No running water since December 2019
Extensive vandalism resulting in the removal of most copper wiring and rendering electrical services inoperable
Fire suppression system broken for over three years
Non-functional heating and air conditioning units due to stripped copper tubing and wiring
Broken windows and doors
Presence of black mold, posing significant health risks
The City has undertaken temporary measures, including painting over graffiti, boarding up doors and windows, and mowing the grass. However, there are 16 unpaid invoices for these abatement activities.
According to the city’s code on unsafe and dangerous buildings, the city council must set a time and place for a public hearing to discuss the issue. The Council will be asked to schedule a public hearing for August 20, 2024. At the hearing, property owners, agents or interested parties can present evidence, and the building official will provide detailed findings.
