The American Motel, a long-standing establishment on the I-70 Frontage Road, is closing this week, with demolition scheduled to begin shortly. This closure paves the way for new investment and development in Wheat Ridge’s hotel district.
The 4.85-acre site will be transformed into a multifamily apartment community by Trinsic Residential Group. The new development will feature a variety of modern amenities, including outdoor courtyards, a rooftop lounge, an indoor fitness center, coworking spaces and a dog park, while also improving pedestrian access through enhanced sidewalks and infrastructure.
This project is part of ongoing revitalization efforts in the I-70/Kipling corridor, an area that has historically faced challenges related to public safety and disinvestment. The momentum for these changes has been significantly influenced by Wheat Ridge’s 2021 hotel licensing ordinance, which was introduced to address community concerns over crime and safety at various local hotels. Since the ordinance took effect, calls for police service at local hotels have dropped by over 50%, and overall crime in the vicinity of the I-70 and Kipling interchange has decreased by 28.5%.
While some hotels have made improvements, others, like the American, have left the market to allow for new developments reflective of community needs. Recognizing that some motels served vulnerable populations, the city worked with organizations to ensure that 18 households living at the American Motel are relocated to safe, permanent housing.
“This isn’t just about removing a building, it’s about transforming an area, improving public safety, and making sure our residents have access to stable housing options,” said City Manager Patrick Goff.