Demolition begins on long-condemned Super 8 Motel on Highway 70 East
The long-awaited demolition of the condemned Super 8 Motel on Highway 70 East in Kinston is officially underway, marking a significant step toward revitalizing one of the city's major entryways. The joint effort between the City of Kinston and Lenoir County aims to address public safety hazards, enhance the community's appearance, and lay the groundwork for future development.
The Super 8 Motel, severely damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2017 and condemned in 2020, has long been a concern for residents and city officials. Over time, its deteriorating condition became a public safety risk and a visible blight on the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy underscored the importance of the project, stating, “The Super 8 Motel has become a sore eye to the community. In partnership with Lenoir County commissioners and the City Council, we came together to have the structure torn down for the betterment of the community. There were some asbestos issues as well.”
Lenoir County Commissioner Chair Linda Rouse Sutton shared her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the collaborative efforts involved. “How many of you are as excited to see this building going DOWN as I am?? Please thank your city council, mayor, city manager, county commissioners, assistant county manager, and your county manager. It is amazing what happens when you work together. Hopefully, this is the first of many more to come as time goes by. Now, if we can get rid of a few more on Hwy 70, we can have folks stopping by Kinston and not riding by.”
Sutton added, “We’re really excited about this being the first, I hope, of these situations where we work together to make our county look more welcoming. It’s not going to happen overnight; it will be a process, but we made a start.”
Jan Parson, Executive Director of Visit Kinston, also praised the efforts to remove the condemned structure. “We thank our County and City leaders for working together to commit the funds and following through with the demolition of the Super 8 Hotel,” said Parson. “The hotel has been an eyesore and left a negative impression of our town for years. Removing this condemned building is a great improvement to the entryway of our city. Let’s work together and provide many more improvements throughout Lenoir County!”
The demolition, being carried out by Ernie Everett Site Prep and Demolition—a locally owned company serving Central and Eastern North Carolina since 1986—represents a fresh beginning for the area and a hopeful glimpse at what collaboration can achieve.
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