Council approves development agreement for former Motel 6 at 1310 Belmont

Centralia’s City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a development agreement with Sage Investments that governs redevelopment of the former Motel 6 at 1310 Belmont.

The agreement, approved by resolution 2813, covers site improvements, long‑term use conditions and operation standards as the developer converts the property to a mixed‑use building. The developer and city staff told the council the Second Floor is planned for permanent studio apartments while the First Floor will continue to operate as hotel or other permitted commercial uses; several ADA units will be provided on the ground floor.

Councilors asked for clarity on whether ground‑floor or upper‑floor units could be switched to other uses, and pressed the developer on protections for long‑term housing. “We plan on the…Second Floor being residential. It is not on our long term plan to also convert the Second Floor to be hotel, motel,” Whitney Wilkins, representing Sage Investment Group, said. Isaac Patterson, a land‑use attorney for Sage, confirmed a correction to the plan paperwork that increases the total parking stalls from 125 to 127.

Councilors and staff discussed operational safeguards the developer will use to prevent long‑term stays in the motel portion, including on‑site property management and a policy limiting hotel stays to less than 30 days to preserve lodging tax status. City staff said code enforcement will monitor compliance and perform periodic checks.

Emil Pearson, city planning staff, described procedural steps the project completed: conditional use permit with conditions from the hearing examiner, required construction drawings and either installed improvements or bonds posted prior to recording the final documents. The council asked that the city track the project closely as it opens, including coordination with the sports hub and local hoteliers.

The motion to approve the resolution passed 7–0.