Future of Superior Creek Lodge: 50/50 chance of survival

EAST RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) -Now that the Superior Creek Lodge Motel in East Ridge has been condemned and cleared out because of safety issues, there is a glimmer of hope for the low income residents looking to return.

"We had to get out. No paperwork or notice or nothing," said one resident who was forced out of Superior Creek Lodge.

"It’s heartbreaking. You see mothers and fathers with their children that are in diapers that have no idea what was going on," said another resident.

Those were reactions by two of the hundreds residents who were forced out of their low income homes after the fire marshal condemned the Superior Creek Lodge. Attorney Jerry Summers represents the owners of the property. News 12 asked if there was a chance the property could be saved.

"Well we hope so. It’s a complex question and complex answer," Summers said.

Complex because the owners purchased the property in 2007 for $3-million. It’s 40 years old and there’s still a mortgage on it. So at this time, the owners are stuck between a rock and hard place.

"They met with the city, state inspectors and engineers and so forth. We don’t know where we are as far as the cost. What’s going to be the best thing? Is it better to just tear it down or better to renovate or not," Summers said.

But renovation could come at a premium.

"When they pulled those pieces off, and revealed it was wooden girders under there instead of steel, that made it a new ball game because after 40 years, there’s a problem," Summers said.

All the parties involved are awaiting the result of a report by engineers.