Atrium Hotel topic at Hutchinson City Council meeting

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Atrium Hotel will be discussed at the Hutchinson City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Back in 2019, the hotel closed. Over the last few years, the city has painted over graffiti, boarded up windows and doors and mowed grass. Also, there are 16 unpaid invoices for the abatements.

“The current state of the Atrium Hotel poses significant risks, and it is essential that we take immediate action to protect our residents,” City Manager Enrico Villegas said.

The city also conducted an inspection and found the following safety issues:

• No running water since December 2019
• Extensive vandalism resulting in the removal of most copper wiring and rendering electrical services inoperable
• Fire suppression system broken for over three years
• Non-functional heating and air conditioning units due to stripped copper tubing and wiring
• Broken windows and doors
• Presence of black mold posing significant health risks

“Inside the building is full of black mold, asbestos. There is no functioning utility services to the facility. It’s very dangerous structure and substandard condition, and something immediately needs to happen,” he said.

During the meeting on Tuesday, Villegas says they plan to schedule a public hearing with the property’s owner about why it should not be condemned and considered for demolishment. The public hearing will likely be scheduled for Aug. 20. At that time, property owners, agents, or interested parties can present evidence, and the building official will provide detailed findings. The City says the hearing is an essential step in addressing blight and safety.

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