‘Nuisance’ Farmington inn to be torn down

Realty firm to demolish structures, prepare site for future development

FARMINGTON — The pending demolition of the Anasazi Inn in west Farmington comes as city officials and its new owners believe the run-down motel complex is a blight in the community and contributes to the area’s high crime rate.

Albuquerque-based TAL Realty Inc. announced on Jan. 21 it acquired the Anasazi Inn at 903 W. Main St. during a judicial foreclosure action. The company described the property as a public health and safety risk.

“This property is not only a public eyesore, but its ongoing operation saps law enforcement resources and puts first responders in harm’s way each day,” TAL Realty’s principal and Farmington resident Adam Trubow said in a press release.

The company said it would demolish the existing structures and prepare the site for future development, but did not identify what the future project is.

Demolition incentives

The Farmington City Council unanimously voted on Feb. 9 to approve a $150,000 incentives request to help with the demolition.

The decision followed reports from multiple city agencies, including the Farmington police and fire departments and the Building Inspection Division, regarding numerous issues at the Anasazi Inn — including unsafe conditions and high crime.

City Manager Rob Mayes said the $150,000 the city will spend will be far less than the amount the city will spend responding to calls at the Anasazi Inn if it remains standing.

It also will prevent the city from facing potential liabilities like a fatal fire on the property.