The City of Roswell has issued an Order to Vacate to the Economy Hotel (9995 Old Dogwood Road), citing numerous violations that pose imminent threat to the safety of staff and occupants. The City’s Fire Chief and Chief Building Official issued official notice to the hotel on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, detailing multiple hazards and code violations identified by the Fire Marshal during recent inspections.
The hotel is ordered to evacuate occupants and cease all operations by 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Among the numerous state and local code violations identified at the hotel are structural deficiencies and fire hazards that pose immediate risk to staff, guests, and public safety personnel, including:
- Fire alarm system deficiencies, including non-operational smoke detectors.
- Blocked and obstructed egress (exit) routes.
- Lack of fire extinguishers.
- Malfunctioning emergency lighting.
- Exposed wiring in the interior and on the exterior, posing significant shock hazard to the occupants.
- Unpermitted electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work throughout the building.
- Deterioration of structural egress (exit) elements of the building, including stairs and stair treads.
- Non-functional elevator, with no other elevators provided.
- Signs of fungal growth due to moisture issues throughout the building and rooms.
- Damaged and non-functional fuel-burning boilers, as well as expired operating permit for boiler.
- Entry doors that are damaged and do not protect against unauthorized entry.
- Falling ceiling material and damaged walls, flooring, and ceiling materials.
- Non-functional toilets, faucets, and bathing areas.
- Exposed lighting fixtures in bathing/shower areas.
- Water leaks and active water intrusion into multiple units causing damage to the walls and ceilings.
- Dryers that are not properly vented, with potential to cause flammable material to accumulate.
The City of Roswell is coordinating an effort to connect current occupants, especially those utilizing the hotel for short-term housing, with resources to help them find alternative accommodations. City representatives are delivering information door-to-door to occupants to make them aware of the situation and to offer support and resources. Those currently staying at the hotel can contact the City at 770-767-0964 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to request assistance in identifying housing options. In addition, a team of representatives from the City of Roswell and various community partners will be on-site at the hotel to help coordinate resources each day this week from Tuesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The health and safety violations identified by the City of Roswell’s Fire Marshal and Chief Building Inspector are unacceptable anywhere—and certainly not in the City of Roswell. Our priority is the well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Roswell, and we will not tolerate these deplorable conditions in our City,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “The City of Roswell is committed to working with every affected individual to assist with relocation and rehousing support. Our priority is their safety and ensuring they receive the help they need during this time.”
Our priority is the well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Roswell, and we will not tolerate these deplorable conditions in our City.
Mayor Kurt Wilson
The Economy Hotel is at the center of Roswell Police Department’s recent arrests of six men accused of sexual assault and human trafficking at the hotel. In addition, the hotel has been the site of numerous public safety complaints and criminal investigation of occupants over the past several years.
The City of Roswell is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all who live in, work in, and visit Roswell. Among the many investments the City has made to prioritize public safety and enhance responsiveness is the bond-funded purchase of the Summit Office Buildings, which are currently being remodeled as Roswell’s new Public Safety Headquarters. The new HQ, which is adjacent to the Economy Hotel, occupies a strategic, central location that offers immediate service coverage to areas of the City that receive the highest volume of public safety calls. The City recently marked the completion of the first phase of renovations and staff relocation in April 2025, with the complete remodel of the facility expected by the end of 2025. For more information, visit www.RoswellConnections.com.
The following photos of code violations and safety hazards were taken during inspections conducted by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
