HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — It was once the focal point of downtown development in High Point. Now, the former Red Lion Hotel sits empty and vacant.
Since 1985, Tab Rahim has owned Tab Rug and Furniture Gallery located on South Main Street in High Point. Right next door is what used to be the former Red Lion Hotel.
It closed in June 2020 after the former owner filed for bankruptcy. Today, it’s a building with 252 vacant rooms, with The Phillips Collection, a High Point-based luxury furniture brand, renting out retail space on the bottom floors.
Rahim says the closure of the hotel has hurt his business and many neighboring businesses.
“It was very convenient for the customers and for people who come from out of state. And if they’re staying here, they would spend money around here and it’s easy for them to walk around. I don’t know why they changed it,” Rahim said.
Visit High Point President Melody Burnett says real estate company Mayfair Street Partners took over the property with plans to renovate the hotel. But ultimately, the developer pulled the plug.