Asbestos Remediation Completed at Iconic COMO Motel

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News Summary

The historic COMO Motel in Richardson, Texas, has finished asbestos remediation, marking the end of an era for this beloved landmark.

Asbestos Remediation Completed at Iconic COMO Motel

In a pivotal development for the city of Richardson, Texas, the process of asbestos remediation at the historic COMO Motel has reached completion. This milestone indicates a decisive shift for the establishment, which has long stood as a roadside landmark since its inception in 1955. The announcement has stirred mixed emotions within the community, particularly for those who hold dear the rich history associated with the iconic location.

Bittersweet Memories and Changing Times

Local residents have expressed feelings of nostalgia as the COMO Motel approaches its potential end. Reid Robinson, a lifelong inhabitant of Richardson, shared his sentiments about witnessing the transformation of a site that has been an integral part of the community’s fabric. With the completion of the asbestos removal, the motel stands in a decaying state, covered in tarps, an empty marquee devoid of advertisements, and an elusive sign whose whereabouts remain unknown to the public.

The COMO Motel was not just a place for weary travelers; it hosted infamous events in history, including the notorious case involving Candy Montgomery in the 1980s. Such stories have woven the motel into the narrative of Richardson, solidifying its status as more than just a place to stay.

Demolition Plans Approved

The local government has granted Pappas Restaurants the necessary permits to initiate demolition procedures for the COMO Motel. This approval included strict adherence to health regulations, particularly concerning the handling of asbestos, as dictated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Before undertaking any renovation or demolition processes that could disturb asbestos, the owners of the structure are mandated to notify the DSHS, which attests to the significance of safeguarding public health.

Following the issuance of the demolition permit, Pappas Restaurants is under a six-month deadline to finalize the demolition work. Community advocate Lindsey Sherritt, who was at the forefront of a campaign to save the motel—gathering a remarkable 5,000 signatures—now watches closely as plans unfold. Despite her enthusiasm for preservation, the campaign to conserve the COMO Motel ultimately fell short. Signs of loss are palpable, amid hopes that the site will not simply succumb to becoming a parking lot post-demolition.

A Symbolic Legacy

In the wake of the landmark’s impending demolition, Sherritt has made a point to preserve a piece of the hotel’s history by salvaging a chair from the motel’s dumpster, which she views as a representation of the potential that could have existed for such a storied venue. The relic stands as a silent testament to memories and connections intertwined with generations, including a remembrance from one local resident’s father-in-law who played Little League against teams sponsored by the motel itself.

Community’s Hopes for the Future

As Richardson faces the reality of losing a cherished part of its heritage, there remains uncertainty about the future plans for the site once the COMO Motel is demolished. Pappas Restaurants has not responded to inquiries about what residents can expect in its place, leaving the community in a state of speculation. Will it be transformed into a thriving business or laid to waste as asphalt and concrete?

Richardson’s COMO Motel, once a popular stopover for travelers in the post-war period, holds unique significance—not only for its history but for the connections it forged among many in the community. Individuals like Sherritt and Robinson strive to ensure that the motel will not fade entirely into oblivion, and that the community’s memories and stories will never be forgotten.

As the clock ticks down on this cherished locale, Richardson stands on the ‘brink of a new era’—hoping to preserve the heart of its history while wrestling with the changes that lie ahead.