MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) — A former Travelodge opened in 1963 in downtown Muncie has been tagged unsafe after an inspection, the Muncie city government said in a Facebook post Thursday.

The Muncie Inn was found to have multiple code violations, safety risks and fire hazards, the city says. The owner was told to vacate the building at 414 N. Madison St., which is west of the White River bridge on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

For more than 20 years, neighbors have complained of drug use, prostitution and other crimes at the hotel.

The city’s post said, “In preparation to provide services for the people currently residing at the Muncie Inn, the City met with our homelessness providers, who have ensured ample emergency shelter and resources to assist in locating permanent housing.”

People living at The Muncie Inn who need help were asked to call Muncie HUB homeless service at 765-282-3948.

The city on Friday issued a news release about the decision.

“In response to resident complaints, the Muncie Inn, located at 414 N Madison, has been inspected and tagged as an unsafe building. There were multiple code violations, safety risks, and fire hazards, and the owner has been instructed to vacate the building.

“In preparation to provide services for the people currently residing at the Muncie Inn, City officials met with homelessness providers on Friday to create a plan. These providers moved quickly to prepare adequate space for those residing in the 44 rooms at the Muncie Inn. Frank Baldwin, chair of the Indiana Region 6 Housing Consortium, believes that moving to emergency shelter will benefit the families at the Inn, as they will now qualify for permanent housing programs such as down payment assistance. Anyone impacted by the Muncie Inn closure can contact The HUB at (765) 282-3948 for more assistance.”

City of Muncie news release issued Jan. 26, 2024