AUBURN, IN – The historic Auburn Hotel has a new owner.

Auburn city officials announced Thursday that Kevin Minard and the Auburn Development Group finalized the purchase of the hotel, located at the corner of Ninth Street and Main Street.

The deal had been in the works for roughly 2-3 years.

The development group also purchased three other properties nearby (410, 414 and 418 South Main Street) next to the Moose Lodge.

Plans for that property include the demolition of buildings there and the construction of a new building that will include commercial space on the first floor with multi-family housing on the floors above.

Demolition is expected to begin in the coming weeks with new construction possibly beginning in the spring.