Interstate Inn demolished

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque motel, which has been a blight to the city, is finally coming down.

The Interstate Inn is scheduled for demolition Friday, when the building will be reduced to rubble.

The Interstate Inn was a known haven for druggies. In fact, it was the scene of many drug busts over the years.

When the Safe City Strike Force went in, they found a long list of code violations, including electrical dangers, water damage, trashed rooms, stray animals and stained furniture.

The strike force also found plenty of drug paraphernalia and evidence of drug dealing and drug making.

The owner was given time to bring the motel up to code, but did not. That's when the city started proceedings to condemn the property.

Over the last few months, the city negotiated with the owner to demolish the property.

The city will front the cost and the owner and will have three years to pay taxpayers back. If he sells, he'll have to pay the city off completely.

The city said that it's a win-win situation because on Friday the city will finally get rid of the nuisance.

"This is a Christmas present, if you will, or a holiday present for Albuquerque," Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez said.

This is the seventh motel the Safe City Strike Force has demolished. They've also taken action against 54 others, all of which have been brought into compliance.

There is a redevelopment plan in the works for the area where the Interstate Inn once stood.

The hope is that shops and restaurants will be built there.