3-2-1, TIMBER!: Anchorage begins demolition of the Big Timber Motel

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - It’s a day some say should have come years ago as city officials, including Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, counted down to begin the demolition of the Big Timber Motel across from Merrill Field on Tuesday.

Built in 1970, the building has been vacant for about a decade. Despite being boarded-up, trespassers have found their way inside, which LaFrance said has attracted crime and drug use.

“In cases like this one, boarding up and fencing was only a temporary Band-Aid,” the mayor said. “This isn’t just an unsightly blight on the neighborhood, it is a dangerous building.”

The property is still privately owned, according to Anchorage Community and Economic Development Director Bob Doehl, but over the years, it has become increasing rundown and the scene of numerous code violations and safety concerns, especially for first responders.

“There have been on-going calls requiring first responders to come because of either fires inside the building or people in distress from medical situations requiring attention,” Doehl said.

“Our first responders don’t have a choice, they are required to go in and deal with the situation and hopefully they come out safe, and that was becoming increasingly challenging for them.”

What happens next is up to the owner, but the city will recoup the costs for the demolition when the lot is either sold or redeveloped, Doehl said.

The city currently has two liens on the property, one for $202,000 to cover the cost of demolition and debris removal and another for $85,000 to cover removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials before the demolition could start. The contractor doing the work said it will likely take at least two days for the lot to be completely cleared.

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