End of an Era for Novato's Oldest Motel

The Mission Lodge, a former motel and dance hall on the corner of Redwood Boulevard and Diablo Avenue, has concluded its final chapter.

Last week, crews began demolishing the property, hanging yellow tape warning against trespassing.

The 18-unit motel was built in 1951, the first motel in town. Over the years, it transformed into a long-term residence for low-income residents, without the city's knowledge. In 2009, a plan surfaced to rebuild the property, but because of the small parcel size and odd location on Front Street, a buyer could not be found.

But last year, following an inspection, code enforcement clamped down on the property owner, asking him to make upgrades like replacing the ground fault interrupters and properly mounting electric outlets.

Instead, Ron Ashley, a retired dentist who has owned the property since the '70s, decided to tear down the old motel, displacing the residents who lived there.

It's a decision that has confounded the city.

"It's very strange because these were minor issues," said Gary Beretta, a code enforcement officer for the city of Novato. "But the owner chose to tear it down. He had been trying to sell it for a long time and there was no willing buyer."

It's not clear whether Ashley will try to develop the property as something else or continue looking for a buyer. Repeated calls were not returned.

The Downtown Specific Plan calls for a landmark building at the spot and for a “village concept,” which the city has interpreted as multiple uses or businesses.

"We’ve had some inquiries from potential developers for retail uses, but nothing has materialized in terms of an application," said Bob Brown, the Community Development Director for the city. "It’s a challenging site given its very prominent location, adjacent single-family neighborhood, unique street pattern and mature trees." 

Prior to becoming a motel, the Mission Lodge was the Novato Boys Club and prior to that a dance hall. In the city's earliest days, the area was a common rest spot along the busy Redwood Highway.

What would you like to see developed on the former Mission Lodge property?