The City of Anaheim demolished the Covered Wagon Motel Jan. 11, as part of a revitalization effort to rebuild 1.5 miles along Beach Boulevard.
The city purchased the motel in December for $6.6 million to replace it with affordable housing as part of its “Rebuild Beach Boulevard” program, which started in 2022.
“Sadly, this motel came to symbolize the problems of Beach [Boulevard] with human trafficking and drug abuse that destroyed lives and took a toll on nearby residents and businesses,” said Mayor Ashleigh Aitken in a press release. “Now this site represents a bright future as we clear the way for new homes and families who will be invested in a new Beach Boulevard.”
Many similar worn-down businesses and hotels along Beach Boulevard often attract human trafficking, prostitution, illegal gambling, drug dealing, and homelessness, city officials have said.
Its plan to revitalize the area runs from Lincoln Avenue to Ball Road.
The motel was shuttered in March of last year by the city, due to public health and safety violations as well as inhumane living conditions.
According to a city press release, the site will be redeveloped with affordable apartments and townhomes. Planning will begin this year, and construction will potentially start as early as 2024.
As part of its program, the city has already demolished three motels, two of which will be redeveloped for housing and the other, where a car wash has already been constructed.
The city has also purchased the nearby Anaheim Lodge for $7.6 million at the end of December, which is expected to be demolished and replaced with housing.
The city has also installed cameras along the street to serve as a second set of eyes for police and to detect and deter illegal activity as well as brighter streetlights to improve visibility.
