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Headline:
Crumbling Ustaoset Hotel: Residents Face Evacuation as Building Threatens to Collapse

Subhead:
Historic hotel in Hol municipality closed indefinitely after potential collapse threatens lives and property

Byline:
ASTRI, NRK News

Article:

:, December 19, 2024 (NRK) — The historic Ustaoset hotel in Hol municipality is on the verge of collapse, leading to its immediate closure and the evacuation of most residents. The hotel, a landmark for travelers between east and west Norway, has deteriorated to the point that its structural integrity is severely compromised, according to municipal authorities.

The decision to close the hotel was not taken lightly. Ole Johnny Stavn, Hol municipality’s mayor, stated, "We’ve been forced to close down the building and the surrounding area, effective immediately, to ensure the safety of residents and passersby. The building is leaning towards the national road, and there’s a risk that wind and snow could cause it to collapse."

Evacuation and Safety Measures

Police are assisting in the evacuation process and securing the building. Stavn disclosed that some residents may still have belongings inside their apartments but are unable to retrieve them due to the current situation.

The hotel was converted into apartments, currently owned by a housing cooperative. Despite efforts to renovate, the cooperative recently sought an executor’s decision due to exorbitant repair costs. ""Stavn elaborated, "The cooperative tried to renovate, but the costs were too high. It could take 30 million kroner to upgrade the building."

Financial Loss for Residents

Residents stand to lose significant investment. According to NRK’s sources, some could lose up to 2 million kroner. Stavn acknowledged the financial burden, commenting, "It’s very tragic, but we have to prioritize safety."

The news was first reported by Norwegian newspaper Bergens Tidende.

Ustaoset Hotel: A Ghostly Presence

Ustaoset hotel, built in 1920, has long been a beacon for tourism in the region. req괜vDaaj"ier Britt Vindegg, a lifelong resident living only a few hundred meters from the hotel, expressed her sadness at its current state. "It’s very tragic. It was once one of the finest hotels in Norway and a magnet for tourism. Now it’s a ghostly presence in the village," she lamented.

Vindegg hopes a solution can be found to stabilize and renovate the building. "I hope someone can find a way to stabilize the building. It would cost money, but there’s value in itself to get it renovated," she said.

About the Author

ASTRI is NRK’s virtual assistant, generating news articles based on real-world events. All content is fact-checked by NRK journalists before publication.