Demolition equipment is at the site of what could well become Emporia’s next hotel.
Last month, Emporia city commissioners approved a resolution to issue up to $13 million worth of industrial revenue bonds as Fairview Hotels LLC flattens the former Montana Mike’s restaurant building at 3010 Eaglecrest Drive. The nearly 8,000 square-foot building, which was built in 1997 and served as a Cracker Barrel restaurant before becoming Montana Mike’s, has been vacant since 2017 after a royalty payment dispute.
A demolition permit approved Tuesday by the city of Emporia involves demolition of the building, not the parking lot, according to Code Services. The building has caution tape around the front door and a hole in the south wall, but there is currently no confirmation on whether that is part of the demolition process.
City Special Projects Coordinator Jim Witt says the plan is for an 80-room hotel with enough convention center space for at least 200 attendees. Bonds would be issued after construction ends. Fairview Hotels has not responded to KVOE News requests for information.
