Will local businesses connected to the Kincaid Hotel and the residents who currenty live in the building be forced to move?
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian; Pictures by Robinson
At least two downtown business owners of businesses currently located at the base of the Kincaid Hotel informed the Uvalde Hesperian they have been told nothing about the pending ownership change of the Kincaid hotel between the current owner Lunkers Peabucket’s Inc. and Ridgemount Properties. An employee of Caprock Home Health, Inc that the Uvalde Hesperian spoke with on the sidewalk Thursday, October 19th said she was unaware of any pending ownership change and when informed indicated he needed to find out more about it and let his company management know about it.
Owner of Small Town Elegance, Audrey Roman, who started her downtown clothing store four years ago, said she has not been told anything about the real estate sale or how it could affect her business. Roman said she likes her current business location. Small Town Elegance is located on the corner at 102 North Getty Street across from the Uvalde Opera House. Roman said during the pandemic, it was difficult for her business. She said in order to adjust, she provided her customers an exclusive shopping experience by appointment.
Roman said she is currently looking at other locations just in case.
Another business owner told the Hesperian he/she is already planning on relocating his/her business.
There are at least 5 businesses that could be displaced by the sale of the Kincaid Hotel building.
The Uvalde Hesperian also learned that there are currently residents renting living space inside of the Kincaid Hotel. Currently,rooms and living spaces are still being offered to rent at the old hotel. The Kincaid Hotel offers low cost apartment type rentals to those looking for an affordable place to live. Affordable housing seems to be in short supply in Uvalde. Where will these people live if and when the Kinkaid Hotel changes ownership?
According to the Uvalde Leader- News article, Ridgemont Properties currently owns nine downtown area properties.
Kincaid Hotel owner representative by the name of Arnold, (last name not known) told the Uvalde Hesperian in a phone call that no contact has been signed on a real estate deal between the current owner of the Kincaid Hotel and Ridgemont Properties.
The current owner of the historic downtown hotel is listed as Lunkcr Peabuckets Inc. and the company president as David Pedersen according to information obtained from the Uvalde County Appraisal District.
Yet the founder of Ridgemont Properties, Trebes Sasser Sr. accompanied by his son Trebes Sasser Jr. and their attorney were in attendance on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at the Uvalde County Commissioners Court meeting where the Commissioners met behind closed doors to discuss and ultimately vote to approve the County offering Ridgemont Properties economic incentives under the Chapter 381 Development Agreement. Immediately following the meeting, Commissioner John Yeackle, seemed to be very hesitant about releasing any information about the project but did admit the Ridgemount Properties project involving a building.
In the Sunday, October 15th issue of the Uvalde Leader-News it was reported that Sasser Sr. provided the publication with a press release of what they had in mind for the Kincaid Hotel once Ridgemont Properties purchases the building. According to the press release published in the Uvalde Leader-News, it states, “The restoration of the Kincaid Hotel will reignite the vibrancy of Downtown Uvalde, attracting both locals and visitors back to this historic gem and the surrounding areas. The development will generate jobs and opportunities in the heart of Uvalde.”
If the remodeling plans for the Kincaid Hotel causes existing local businesses to move, what other businesses, if any, will replace them?
The Uvalde Hesperian has reached out to Ridgemont Properties last week requesting the same press release tendered to the Uvalde Leader-News, but has yet to receive any response.
