Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A historic building in Downtown Yuma is in the process of being sold for redevelopment, and Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls and locals downtown talk about the future of the Hotel San Carlos.
Constructed in 1930, the hotel was once the tallest building in Yuma and served as a social hub for Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe. However, after it’s heyday, the building began to deteriorate.
Since the 1980s, the building has been used for federally funded low-income housing.
But now, the building faces a rebirth, and will bring a positive impact to the economy and social life of Downtown Yuma, according to City of Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls.
“When it’s sold, it will be able to go back into private hands and contribute to property tax, as well as the Downtown Maintenance District. It can really change the quality of nightlife and activities in the Downtown area,” says Nicholls.
The preservation of Yuma’s historical landmarks has been a challenge Nicholls says.
Examples include floods destroying the earliest adobe homes and the fire at the Pacific Freight Depot last March.
Nicholls says this redevelopment will contribute to keeping Yuma’s rich history alive and well.
“The hotel has been a monument in our Downtown, the Art Deco style, it’s kind of fallen away. The San Carlos would be worth preserving to understand how the community grew and really reflect that in our culture and in our history,” he explains.
Nicholls adds that he would like to see the building used for apartment or condo living believing it would draw in singles or young couples seeking a semi-urban setting.
Local Claude Crutchfield says finding an affordable place to live is becoming increasingly difficult and would like to see some affordable units after the redevelopment.
“They should make rooms available for qualified people at reasonable rates because right now there’s an 8 month wait to get a place that $400/mo-$600/mo. Everybody raised their rents,” Crutchfield shared.
Crutchfield believes the location and condition makes it a gold mine, adding that there are buildings much older than Hotel San Carlos still in great shape.
“They may have to spend a million dollars or more to get it up to snuff but they’ll make the money back in 2-3 years. That’s a good investment except it’s kind of noisy here, so get a room in the back, not the front,” he joked.
Now the time frame and exact plans for the building’s redevelopment are still in the early stages and KYMA will be following this story as the pieces fall in place.
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