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Del City finds hotel at 5501 Tinker Diagonal dilapidated; bank seeks emergency demolition
Summary
Council voted to declare the commercial structure at 5501 Tinker Diagonal dilapidated, set owner deadlines to begin demolition by Jan. 31 and complete by March 2, 2025, and authorized the city to proceed if the owner does not act. The property's lender told council it has filed for an emergency demolition order in district court.
Del City officials determined on Dec. 16 that the commercial structure at 5501 Tinker Diagonal is dilapidated and poses hazards to public health and safety, and the council set deadlines for demolition while a lender seeks expedited court permission to tear the building down.
Why the council acted: Assistant City Manager Kelly Wilbanks said the property was condemned in August 2024, the owner appealed and later dropped the appeal, and the building continued to deteriorate. Staff reported eight code cases, approximately 1,484 police calls for service and 348 fire calls connected to the site. Wilbanks described life‑safety hazards including missing load‑bearing walls and loose railings on upper floors.
Bank files emergency demolition motion: Gary Giesemann, an attorney representing FNB Community Bank, told the council the bank has filed a motion in district court seeking an emergency order to allow demolition; that motion was set for hearing on Jan. 8. He said the bank has a contract with a demolition company and expects demolition within about two weeks after a court order.
Council action: The council voted unanimously to find the structure dilapidated and to set commencement of owner work by Jan. 31, 2025, and completion by March 2, 2025. The council authorized the city clerk to file a notice of dilapidation and lien against the property and directed the city manager to cause demolition and removal if the owner does not complete the work by the deadlines. City staff estimated a municipal cost of about $305,000 to bring the property to grade if the city performs the work.
Public safety and local impacts: Nearby business owners and residents described increased criminal activity, encampments and health concerns. Several witnesses urged immediate boarding or fencing of openings; staff and police said the building's condition makes securing the structure dangerous and that a full demolition will require significant resources and coordinated law‑enforcement presence.
Next steps: The city awaits resolution of the bank's emergency court motion; staff said they will work with the bank and are prepared to expedite permits if the bank proceeds with voluntary demolition. If the owner or mortgagee does not act by the council's deadlines, staff will follow the council's authorization to abate and lien the property to recover costs.
Ending: Council members thanked the bank for pursuing demolition and encouraged businesses near the site to report public‑safety concerns to police while the city and bank move toward demolition.
