The Owensboro City Commission on Tuesday approved a municipal order to purchase the Colonel House Motel at 1829 Triplett Street. City officials said the plan is to convert the deteriorating building into affordable rental housing.
The property, owned by Charalambos and Androniki Pavlas, will be vacated by its current tenants before the city takes ownership, officials said. City Manager Nate Pagan said the site has been a focus of community complaints for various reasons and has long been part of the city’s broader revitalization efforts in the Triplett Twist neighborhood. The purchase agreement was approved during Tuesday’s Commission meeting.
Pagan said the acquisition aligns with ongoing efforts to address blighted properties in key areas of the city.
“We’ll get the property when it’s empty and immediately issue a request for proposals (RFP) for redevelopment,” Pagan said. “This could involve renovation of the existing structure or a complete rebuild, but the ultimate goal is affordable housing.”
Pagan noted that the city does not intend to manage the property long-term. Instead, the RFP process will invite proposals from developers interested in rehabilitating the site. He said incentives, such as grants or discounted sale prices, could be offered to encourage investment.
The project builds on work already completed in the Triplett Twist area, including upgrades to the nearby Gabe’s Shopping Center and other housing improvements. Abby Shelton, director of community development, said the property’s location makes it a logical next step in the City’s efforts.
“This acquisition builds on the City’s work in the Triplett Twist Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area, reinforcing its commitment to improving and strengthening neighborhoods. Affordable housing is critical for Owensboro, where many families face challenges finding safe, stable, and reasonably priced places to live,” Shelton said. “By creating more affordable options, the City helps ensure that people of all income levels can have a secure home, which leads to better health, stronger families, and opportunities for economic stability.”
Officials said they hope to attract local investors to the project, although the RFP process will remain open to all. Pagan and Shelton both expressed optimism about receiving strong proposals.
Mayor Tom Watson noted during the meeting that the Colonel House Motel had been a frequent site of Owensboro Police Department calls and criminal activity.
“We’ve heard from local businesses and residents in the area who are eager for this to happen,” Pagan said. “This is an opportunity to transform the property and provide something positive for the community.”
Shelton agreed, noting the historical significance of the site but also the need to breathe new life into it.
“Beyond helping individual families, affordable housing investments also improve entire neighborhoods, breathing new life into properties, encouraging growth, and boosting the local economy,” Shelton said. “This project is another step in Owensboro’s ongoing efforts to build a community where everyone has the chance to succeed and feel at home.”
