Baton Rouge Mayor orders demolition of abandoned OYO Hotel

Mayor-President Sid Edwards has ordered the demolition of the abandoned OYO Hotel on Mead Road in Baton Rouge as part of an ongoing campaign to combat urban blight. The property had been abandoned for at least two years and had become a site for criminal activity and squatting. Police reported 30 incidents at the location since January 2024, including thefts, drug overdoses, and assaults.

During preparations for the demolition, staff from the Office of Homelessness Prevention identified approximately 15 individuals living in the building. Officials are working to connect these individuals with mental health services, addiction recovery, and other support resources. The OYO Hotel is one of ten blighted or abandoned commercial properties currently prioritized by the city-parish for condemnation, fines, or demolition.