American Motel, long notorious in Wheat Ridge, will be demolished soon

Jim Lorentz had numerous encounters with the American Motel in Wheat Ridge over the years — whether he was there as a police officer dealing with a domestic violence suspect, enjoying a meal in the restaurant, or staying in the Elvis suite on his wedding night.

As a retired 43-year Wheat Ridge police officer, Lorentz was familiar with the iconic outpost, known for its giant American flag and eye-catching red welcome awning off Interstate 70 at Kipling Street.

In its heyday, the American Motel, then operating as a Ramada Inn, was a popular spot with a ballroom that was always booked for events. But over time, the motel’s reputation declined, becoming known for its low room rates and attracting criminal activity.

Now, the once-famous motel sits boarded up, with plans for demolition in mid-October to make way for an apartment complex.

Despite its current state, the American Motel holds memories of better times, including an Elvis Suite and a lively Red Balloon Lounge. In a 1975 review, the restaurant was praised for its diverse menu and entertainment.

However, in the late 1980s, the Ramada Inn transformed into the American Motel, which became associated with crime and social issues. The motel saw a high number of police calls, ranging from drug deals to a cold case murder.

With the impending demolition, the American Motel’s legacy will soon be a thing of the past, leaving behind a mix of nostalgia and regret for what could have been.

Crime down since new regulations

Tony Sherman, the current owner of the property, purchased it in 2023 and plans to sell it to Trinsic Residential Group for the development of an apartment complex. While Sherman considered renovating the motel, he ultimately decided to move forward with the sale.

The city of Wheat Ridge implemented new hotel licensing regulations in 2021 to address the high number of police calls associated with hotels in the area. As a result, crime rates have decreased significantly, and calls for service at hotels have been cut in half.

Despite the challenges faced by the American Motel, its former owner, Don White, defended the establishment in a letter to the Wheat Ridge City Council, highlighting the efforts made to provide affordable accommodation to guests.

As Wheat Ridge undergoes a transformation with the redevelopment of the American Motel site, some view it as a positive step forward for the city, while others lament the loss of a piece of its history.

Regardless of the opinions surrounding the American Motel, its iconic sign that once displayed the room rates will soon be a relic of the past, as the property undergoes a new chapter in its history.

For more local news, sign up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.