Roseville Council denies hotel license for Norwood Inn due to safety violations

Roseville City Council has taken a decisive step regarding the troubled Norwood Inn, denying a hotel license application from Milwaukee 45 Hospitality, the former owner of the property. This decision comes after a series of inspections revealed numerous code violations and safety concerns, including the absence of required carbon monoxide detectors and ongoing plumbing issues.

During the March 24, 2025, meeting, city officials highlighted that the Norwood Inn, now owned by SMP Hospitality, has failed to address significant violations identified in inspections conducted in October 2024 and March 2025. The hotel has been under scrutiny for its deteriorating conditions, which have led to a high volume of police calls, including four overdose deaths since the beginning of the year. The Roseville Police Department strongly recommended against granting the license due to these ongoing issues.

City staff noted that the application submitted was from a previous owner, and the current management, represented by Key Contola, had not completed necessary background checks as required by the hotel licensing ordinance. Furthermore, the hotel had previously faced a shutdown by the Minnesota State Department of Health in 2018 under the same ownership.

In response to the council's decision, representatives for the Norwood Inn expressed concerns about the financial impact of the denial and requested the council consider delaying action on the application to allow for further investigation. They emphasized the need for the current owner to rectify the issues and seek a path to compliance without being barred from reapplying for a license for a year.

The council's resolution to deny the license reflects a commitment to public safety and adherence to local regulations, underscoring the importance of maintaining standards in the hospitality industry. As the situation develops, the city remains focused on ensuring that the Norwood Inn meets the necessary requirements to operate safely and legally.