‘Give us a chance’: New owners of Shively motel work to make improvements

SHIVELY, Ky. (WAVE) — More than a year after a forced closure, the Louisville Manor Motel is back open under new ownership.

Robert Mitchell has been staying at the Motel since it reopened, as he looks for more permanent space in the area. He has past experience at the motel and says it’s significantly better.

“[It] used to be, you didn’t know who would come knocking at your door,” Mitchell said. “It’s a safe place now.”

The Shively property was forced to shut its doors in October 2024 by the Metro after losing an appeal.

WAVE Troubleshooters reported a pattern of sexual assaults, drug activity and theft at the motel under the previous owner, Robert Allen.

Bill Ahmad is one of the new owners who saw an opportunity to turn the property around.

Hourly rates are no more. The Adult Bookstore out front is boarded up, and all adult channels on the TV have been removed.

In their place are more cameras and improved exterior lighting. Renovations are also happening on the outside and the inside, including new furniture, paint, and fully redone bathrooms.

“We saw the opportunity to take something and revitalize it and bring it back to life and be a great member of the community,” Ahmad said. “That’s really our goal, to help as many people as possible. If we’re able to give them a good product at a fair price point, we’re excited to do that.”

What isn’t as physically evident are the community relations Ahmad and others with the motel have made with Metro Health and Wellness, Codes and Regulations, and the Shively Police Department.

Since reopening earlier this fall, the number of police runs to the motel can be counted on one hand. It’s a sharp turnaround from the than 200 incidents reported before the property was shut down.

“We want them to thrive within our city, but with respect to the community, we also have to keep them safe,” Sgt. Jordan Brown said. “I believe that the change has been better for the neighborhood,” Brown said.

Renovations to additional units are till taking place, and Ahmad hopes to eventually use some rooms for community organizations and churches to fill with people in need.

“I feel comfortable,” Mitchell said. “It’s a nice place.”

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