RANDOLPH, Neb. -- A new chapter in a vacant building promises a bigger future for a Cedar County motel.

"I think it's such a focal point -- when you pull into the city on main street something nice and vibrant would be nice for the city of Randolph," said City Administrator Benjamin Benton.

The Randolph city attorney suggested that the community buy the Cedar Motel in September -- and so they did.

"At that time it'd been for sale for four months already, sitting for sale," Benton said.

Wednesday Nov. 3, the city authorized the decision to accept bids for the motel's steel roof.

Now the city is in the process of cleaning up the motel, and getting it ready for residential development.

At the time of purchase, four tenants were staying at the motel -- they were given 30 days notice and found new homes. The city has already cleared ten tons of trash from the site and expect to haul more.

"And then we had environmental services do an asbestos test and they found some asbestos in the ceiling and tile," Benton said.

In December, the council will review bids and likely take the structure down for new possibilities -- affordable housing being one suggested option.

"Whether that's a shopping center or a business -- being zoned commercial it'll probably be commercial," Benton said.

The opportunity aligns with the city's growth, which during his two years in Randolph, Benton said he's witnessed.

The property purchase was $75,000. Asbestos abatement will be about $15,000, and cost of cleaning is still to be determined. Benton said that'll be worth it for the possible sales tax it could bring in later.