Lynnwood Weighs $5.1M Project To Remodel Rodeo Inn

LYNNWOOD, WA - Lynnwood Mayor Nicola Smith reportedly wants to invest $5.1 million to buy the Rodeo Inn and convert it into temporary housing for homeless students and their families.

The local hangout for more troublesome characters, the Rodeo Inn on Highway 99 is reportedly a well-known hotspot for drugs, crime, and prostitution. Last night, the Lynnwood City Council expressed its intent to change that narrative, noting the ambitious project is more than two years in the making.

Though nothing is certain yet, the council on Monday prepared itself for purchasing the property by unanimously approving a bond ordinance for $5.1 million in credit. Should the purchase move forward, the sale is expected to close by the first week of April — though the city council would need to make its final approval toward the end of March.

"We're trying to find a solution where we move upriver and provide a safe place for our youth in the Edmonds School District," Smith said, according to KING5 News. "(By converting the property), it looks like (we) may have a success story that will be very exciting for our community."

Smith reportedly believes converting the 52-room hotel will provide relief to more than 550 students in the Edmonds School District who have identified as homeless. Other community leaders, however, don't seem so optimistic.

A former city councilor reportedly told KING5 News he believes the city is taking a county issue and unfairly putting it on Lynnwood residents.

"This should be a regional thing, not a Lynnwood thing," said Ted Hikel. "It's a 'feel good' thing, and it makes the mayor look good. It's irresponsible."

Other local agencies have reportedly expressed a motivation to participate, KING5 clarified.

Edmonds city officials and leaders within Snohomish County government have committed $750,000 to the project, KING5 reported, noting also that SnoCo nonprofit Housing Hope has stepped up as a contender for managing the Rodeo Inn's new role, should the project move forward.

The council will address the project again in March.

WATCH: KING5 News reports potential project at Lynnwood's Rodeo Inn

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