By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Cleanup has started at the Old Spanish Trail Motel in South Tucson.
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The city has been trying to get the property demolished for years, and a new owner is now making that happen.
The motel is located off Benson Highway near Interstate 10 and Fourth Avenue.
Longtime problem property
The site has been a hotspot for drug use, criminal activity, and fires in recent years.
At least four fires have been reported on the property over the last two years. Nearby residents have also reported issues with homelessness and drug use at the site.
City of South Tucson Councilmember Brian Flagg said the property has been a problem for the city.
Old Spanish Trail Motel
“There’s asbestos…it really, it just looks terrible, and it’s kind of the gateway to South Tucson,” Flagg said.
Flagg said the city is now turning a new page.
“This is a really good thing for the city of South Tucson,” Flagg said.
New owner begins demolition
Cottonwood Construction, the motel’s new property owner, began demolition of the site this weekend.
According to property records, Chris Huizenga purchased the land for $400,000 on Aug. 18. He acquired it from Asgard Group LLC, which bought the land in June from Torino Avenue LLC, owned by Brian Bowers.
The City of South Tucson filed lawsuits against both former owners for previously failing to clean up the property. Flagg said their legal battles aren’t over.
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“The thing that we need now is to get rid of this apartment – the worst slum lord not just in South Tucson, but in Pima County,” Flagg said.
Property records show the Spanish Trail Suites next to the old motel is still owned by Bowers. Attempts to reach Bowers and Asgard Group LLC were unsuccessful.
What’s next?
Flagg said the motel’s demolition is a positive step for the city.
“I would like to see housing, or I would like to see retail so that it looks good and it brings in revenue,” Flagg said.
In a phone call with 13 News, Huizenga said that they are considering all options for the property’s future. He said it will be a while before the motel’s charred sign comes down, but drivers can expect the area’s biggest eyesore to be gone soon.
Huizenga said the cleanup will take 30-45 days to complete due to the asbestos within the building and will cost more than $800,000.
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