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August 7, 2008
The City of Red Deer has made a conditional offer to purchase the Arlington Hotel. The City is requesting Council approval for a budget of up to $1.5 million for the purchase and associated costs. An investment in this property will allow The City to demolish the building, market the land for sale and in the process, stimulate economic growth, development and vibrancy downtown.
1. Who is immediately impacted by the purchase of the Arlington Hotel?
A small number of hotel residents will be impacted by the City’s decision to demolish the building. The City will offer to work directly with the current owner to connect hotel residents with the appropriate social agency that can assist with relocation.
2. How will purchase and subsequent redevelopment impact surrounding business?
The City of Red Deer intends to demolish the building and market the land for sale. This redevelopment plan aligns with the Greater Downtown Action Plan which calls for a reinvestment and revitalization of Red Deer’s downtown.
This initiative is a proactive step in demonstrating The City’s commitment to strengthen the downtown business, cultural and recreation centre of the city within the planning framework for revitalization. The site is identified as an important link between downtown and the proposed Riverlands development.
3. Does the Arlington Hotel have historical significance?
The Arlington Hotel is the oldest standing hotel in Red Deer. Located in the heart of downtown, it was constructed in 1899. Over the years the building has deteriorated significantly in both structure and appearance.
The City is acting in accordance with City of Red Deer Land Use Bylaw 3357/2006 (Section 7.6) which states, “The City will cause a historical evaluation process to be carried out through the Heritage Preservation Committee.” The committee has up to 45 days to evaluate the site’s historical significance. If it is determined there are any significant historical elements, recommendations for preservation will be put forward to The City. Once the historical significance has been determined and recommendations are brought forward, demolition can proceed.
3. How is The City moving forward with the purchase and redevelopment of the Arlington Hotel?
The City has made a conditional offer to purchase the Arlington Hotel.
A recommendation will be put before Council on Monday, August 11, 2008. City administration will ask Council to approve a budget expenditure of up to $1.5 million and delegate authority to the City Manager to determine the viability of the removal of conditions on or before September 15.
The City of Red Deer Social Planning department will offer to work directly with the owner of the Arlington to connect residents to social agencies that can assist with relocation and other needs if necessary.
4. When will the project begin?
- Moving forward with the project is subject to the City Manager determining the viability to remove conditions.
- Conditions to the purchase need to be lifted by September 15, 2008.
- The historical evaluation of the property will take up to 45 days from date of application for the demolition permit.
- Demolition is expected to be complete by early winter 2008.
5. What are the conditions of sale?
Two conditions need to be removed before the purchase of the Arlington Hotel is finalized.
- Completion of an environmental assessment related to the demolition of the building
- City Manager approval as delegated by City Council
6. What will happen to the site if it is purchased?
The City will make an application for a demolition permit. The land will be marketed as a keystone site in The City’s plan to strengthen and enhance the business, cultural and recreation centre of the downtown. Until a suitable developer is found for the land, the site may be used as a temporary parking lot.
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