New owner takes over Downtowner motel; plans to remodel

A new owner took over a Carson City motel after years of problems between its former owner and the city.

James DiMartino posted flyers around the Downtowner Motor Inn on Wednesday giving residents a 30-day notice to move. He plans to shut the motel April 18 for remodeling then sell it.

DiMartino replaced Ralph Ahmad as owner after going to court to get Ahmad evicted. DiMartino got the 34-room motel in a foreclosure auction Feb. 10 to help pay off the mortgage Ahmad took out on the motel from DiMartino.

Ahmad bought the motel from DiMartino in 1998.

DiMartino and his son, Frank, had mounds of trash hauled out of the motel parking lot. James DiMartino said garbage service was turned off about two weeks ago.

Electricity was shut off for a day and half last week because Ahmad failed to pay the power bill.

DiMartino said his biggest concern was families with children in the motel.

"Something has to happen with all these kids in here," DiMartino said.

Ahmad didn't return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Frank DiMartino said his family will have to put in new heating and air conditioning, new carpet and new furniture.

"This place is in shambles pretty much," he said.

The motel was shut in 2005 under Ahmad's ownership because the city said it was a public health hazard. Ahmad reopened the motel in 2007, but lost his business license in November 2008 for failing to pay room taxes.

Carson City won't get involved with the situation unless residents can't find a place to stay, City Manager Larry Werner said. The health department would help them find a new place to stay in that case, he said.

The city also might consider buying the motel to help redevelop downtown, he said.

"We're definitely interested," he said.

The motel has had no recorded improvements since it was built in 1962.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.