The former Motel 6 in Lakeland today (6.10.18) is advertising its brand change to Econo Lodge with a “Coming Soon” banner hanging on the front of the building.
The Motel 6 at 9822 Huff N Puff Rd has been operating as Quantum since April when owners covered the two Motel 6 signs and announced the property was changing brands. At the time, Lakeland Currents (LC) was told the change would take place in five to six months.
Econo Lodge is part of Choice Hotels brand. In the Memphis area there are five Econo Lodge properties.
The general manager, Hinesh Patel, was unavailable for comment today to LC.
The property has been in Lakeland longer than there has been a Lakeland, which incorporated in 1977. The 1973 motel is listed on Shelby County records as owned by Quantum Hotels LLC in Memphis.
The owner has come before the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission/Design Review Commission (MPC/DRC) for code violations which took them to Shelby County Environmental Court.
Last year the owner started painting the building white without prior review and approval by the DRC. The property was cited in August 2017 and on Jan. 18, 2018, the Shelby County Division 14 General Sessions Court ordered the applicant to submit appropriate plans for design review and have approval by March 16, 2018.
The white paint is not consistent with Lakeland design standards and Lakeland development codes require brick and stone as part of the façade.
The site plan application was denied because it was incomplete. The owner was asked to return when he had a complete plan for painting the building, roof color, landscaping and lighting.
Last month, Cory Brady, City planner, told the MPC he is working with the owners to meet code regulations.
… Photo by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
