Upgrades at north Urbana hotel paused over permit issues

URBANA — A hotel property that recently changed hands has had to pause renovations as city officials said no permits were sought for the work.

A stop-work order was posted at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham at 1908 N. Lincoln Ave. in Urbana — formerly an Econo Lodge — in late June. According to Urbana building official Nick Hanson, the hotel was unaware that the contractor hadn’t obtained the necessary permits, and the city is working with them to see that these are filed.

When asked about the scope of the renovations, Hanson replied, “They’re just making upgrades, changing bathrooms. And so that involves some framing, electrical and plumbing work.”

Once the city receives permit applications, they typically work to review and approve the documents within “a couple working weeks,” he said.

“But obviously, it’s up to them to submit the required documentation and such and find the appropriate contractors,” Hanson said.

As of Monday, his office had spoken with an architect on the project but had not received plans.

The hotel’s manager could not be reached for comment.

County records show that Ram Hotel Group Inc. sold the property to Varniraj Hotels LLC on April 1, 2024, for $2.475 million.

An employee at the front desk said that the Econo Lodge closed March 29 and the business reopened as Howard Johnson the following day.