Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Four more than four decades, it was the busiest and most popular lodging complex in south Rochester. But on Friday, the doors were closed and it will soon disappear.

It opened more than 50 years ago as a Holiday Inn and became known as Holiday Inn South, a name it kept until several years ago when it was rebranded to a Clarion Inn.

Owner Mark Anderson has sold the property which will soon be demolished to make way for a new hotel and commercial building.

Anderson’s father opened the Holiday Inn and it was expanded over the years to include an indoor swimming pool area and a large enclosure that included about half the rooms of the original building. A second building was also added on the north side of the property, which is located between Broadway and 1st Ave and 16th and 17th streets SE.

For years, the motel was known as hockey headquarters due to its close proximity to the Graham Arena complex. It also hosted wedding parties, high school reunions, New Year’s Eve parties and was well-known for its karaoke entertainment at the popular Viking Lounge.

A new Candlewood Suites is being planned on the east side of the property. Plans call for a four story building with 89 guest rooms. A commercial building will replace the motel annex on the north side.

 

 

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