ADRIAN — The Adrian City Commission has approved the sale of the long-vacant Adrian Inn — a move officials say will finally clear the site and close the book on a public nuisance.
After years of complaints and a demolition estimate hanging overhead, the commission voted unanimously on June 2 to approve the purchase agreement with Adrian College. The deal, priced at $240,000, will shift responsibility to the college, which has agreed to handle the building’s demolition.
City leaders called the property an “emergency situation” due to its deteriorating condition and repeated public safety concerns. The commission has been under pressure to act — both from residents nearby and the broader community.
The decision follows heavy public comment earlier in the meeting. Residents like Tom Neal and Keith Marsh raised concerns about transparency and the bidding process, alleging that higher offers were never pursued or acknowledged. Neal cited city charter provisions requiring sealed bids, warning the current deal could constitute a “disservice to taxpayers.”
Despite those objections, the commission stood by the sale, emphasizing the urgency to remove the structure and move forward with redevelopment.
More updates are expected when demolition begins and as Adrian College announces its next steps for the site.