By Stephen Smoot
“We’re new to it. We want to do it right. We’re going to be very patient.”
Just as Pendleton County has joined the state in committing considerable resources to boosting tourism, a long-time lodging fixture in Franklin will receive major upgrades as it turns to a new business model. New owners Jesse Thorpe and Brandon Conard have already commenced renovating the old hotel for use as both lodging for visitors and also permanent apartment housing.
Thorpe explained that the motel dates back to 1948. At the time of its construction, its size outstripped any other in use in the state. A 1954 addition provided 41 units for visitors to the region. Until the construction of the interstate highway system, US 220 served as a main route of traffic connecting north and south.
Modernization has already started with the replacement of flooring and the addition of other amenities. As Thorpe says, we’re doing everything right, including fixing any structural issues that we find.” New beds and bedding will also greet guests. Thorpe praised the work of Nick Rexrode, who is leading the reconstruction efforts.
Marketing efforts will also use 21st century techniques. Thorpe said that “the website just went live last week.” Although the motel has lacked “an online or social media presence” until now, digital marketing will soon reach out to potential visitors.
Thorpe expects that the new signage for the property will come in the next week.
“We decided to convert the building with offices in it into apartments,” Thorpe explained. He added that “some are efficiencies and some are larger.” The apartments can have up to three bedrooms, but also come in different sizes.
Although the motel could offer 41 total rooms, Thorpe and Conard do not see that business model as sustainable. Because business drops off considerably in the winter, offering apartments to permanent residents brings reliable revenues that can sustain it when few motel guests are staying. The motel will have 20 rooms for overnight guests.
One thing that the partners will not change is the staffing. Thorpe shared that it’s “very important to keep them in place. They’re wonderful ladies.” One employee has 38 years of experience and another has worked there for 30. Thorpe says “They are part of the draw.”
Moreover, Thorpe stated, “It’s very important for us that we take care of the community.” To the partners, this means making sure that the hotel and apartments will only welcome guests and tenants who share that dedication. Thorpe says, “It’s better to make less and have the right tenants in place. We are trying to clean it up. We won’t just take anyone with money.” He envisions that most guests will be either tourists or “local businesses having people come in to conduct business.”
Thorpe explained that the partners’ plans for the hotel would be very long term. “We’re family men,” he said, “long term investors. We want to leave this to our kids.”
