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MURFREESBORO – A dilapidated motel will have the chance to be transformed into something new thanks to a rezoning decision by the Murfreesboro Town Council during their meeting on Feb. 20.

The property in question is the old Scott’s Motel at 1107 Virginia Boulevard, across the street from the former Ruffin Brothers grocery store. It was zoned C2 for commercial business, but the request was to rezone it to residential R6, which allows multifamily housing.

Deputy Town Clerk Corrie Harrison explained that the developer purchased the property with the intention of cleaning up the building and turn it into housing units for long-term rentals, potentially for older citizens who do not need assisted living facilities.

No members of the public chose to speak during the public hearing, but the council did have a few questions for Juan Boone of Fort Hale Investment II LLC, the new property owner.

Council member Mike Bunch asked how many units it would be.

Boone said the motel building has 19 units right now, but they’re very small. After the renovations, however, he estimated it would be 12 units. He mentioned that he may be able to purchase buildings on the adjoining property as well.

Mayor Hal Thomas asked what was the Planning Board’s recommendation for the property. Harrison said they recommended approval of the rezoning request.

With no further questions, Bunch motioned for approval as well, and James Byerly seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor.