Midtown Western Inn and The Lodge location, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — With demolition of the Midtown Western Inn set to begin this month, there still have been no takers for the motel’s sign which has stood along 2nd Ave. for years.
During the facilities update at the Buffalo County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26 discussion shifted to the Midtown Western Inn location.
Commissioner Sherry Morrow said that the county has offered the Midtown sign to both the Trails and Rails/Buffalo County Historical Society and the City of Kearney, but both entities had to decline.
The Buffalo County Commissioners purchased the property on Dec. 29, 2023, with the intent to demolish the location.
Chairman Ivan Klein said the commissioners were securing the property for future use by the county. He noted the Buffalo County courthouse is landlocked with no means for expansion.
After the demolition, the property will be held by the county for future development, Klien said.
Steve Gaasch, Facilities Director, said that demolition may start on Monday, Dec. 2 or Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The location also included The Lodge, which opened in 1971 and is Kearney’s oldest continuously operated restaurant.
The Lodge ended up moving to the former Skeeter Barns location last month.
