Maine Motel In Business For Six Decades Closes For Good

For over sixty years, the University Inn on College Ave in Orono has welcomed University of Maine visitors.  Potential students & their families, the parents of students, guest lecturers, and traveling business people.

Now, it appears the motel is closing it's doors for good.

According to a report in the Bangor Daily News, the owner, Tracey Whitten, announced the closure of the business in a Facebook post on Monday.

In the video Whitten, who has owned the business for the last 21 years said:

“It has been a really awesome 21 years. It’s just been a really great ride for us here.  I just wanted to say goodbye to everybody."  She also said she hopes people will continue to support the Black Bear Inn, which is the other business she owns.

No reason was given for the closure.  This is apparently due to a confidentiality agreement.  However, more information is expected next week.  What does that mean?  Well, probably the hotel has been purchased by another business or, maybe, it has been purchased by the college.  Apparently, at one time, they did own the property.

According to the motel's website, the property where the building sits was once the estate of the Webster family.  The website goes on to explain:

In 1937, the University of Maine purchased the house and converted it to a girl's dormitory called the Elms. In the fall of 1939, the stable was converted to sleeping rooms and a reception area known as the Annex. In 1963, John & Cornelius Russell, Larry Mahaney and Thomas Walsh purchased the property and constructed the University Motor Inn, a 50-room colonial style motel with dining room and banquet facilities.

We wish Whitten, her family, and their staff all the best in their future endeavors.