(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Renovations to the 4U Motel located in downtown Colorado Springs are completed, and the former hotel will now serve as transitional housing. The building now offers transitional housing under the name 'The Studios by Springs Rescue Mission' (SRM). The grand opening will take place on Tuesday morning, Sept. 24. “Spring Rescue Mission is proud to help contribute to the enhancement of downtown Colorado Springs by renovating a previously abandoned building and restoring it to serve a noble purpose in our community,” said President & CEO Jack Briggs. “We are grateful to our partners for enabling this significant improvement." The renovation of the property included: Asbestos abatement, mitigation of toxic contaminants, repairs to the building's structure and parking lot, and installation of safety features. Replacement of major systems including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Updates include the replacement of finishes and fixtures throughout, as well as the construction of six new shared kitchens. Repairs to the facade, fresh paint (SRM color scheme), and signage. Each 300-square-foot unit features individual living and bedroom spaces, a private bathroom, storage areas, a communal kitchen which is shared with one neighbor, and a community laundry area. The property will house a dozen formerly homeless men and women who are working to rebuild their lives after graduating from SRM programs. “For years, the 4U Motel was a blight —sadly, it was a hub of drug use, prostitution, and illegal activity,” said Chief Development Officer Travis Williams. “We hope the renewal of this property will serve in the transformation and redemption of those who reside within its walls: a place of safety, security, and hope.” Colorado Springs-based Norwood Development Group purchased the former hotel's property in 2022 and has leased it to SRM for $1 per year. Norwood maintains a long-standing partnership with SRM, including working together previously on the 65-unit permanent supportive housing project known as Greenway Flats in 2019. "When we learned the hotel was for sale, we immediately saw an opportunity to end the cycle oftragic and criminal activity and create a place of healing," said Norwood CEO Chris Jenkins."With SRM located just a block away, we knew this could become an extension of their life-changing services.” Tenants of these transitional housing programs are offered 18-month leases as they work to secure permanent housing. While they acclimate, all residents pay rent at fees that start at $500 per month and are increased by $50 increments each month until it reaches $750 per month. The Studios, like all SRM transitional housing programs, is designed for sober living. Tenants are expected to remain clean and sober. No drugs or alcohol are permitted on the premises. The completion of The Studios brings the number of SRM transitional housing units to 36, which does not include the 65-unit Greenway Glats permanent supportive housing complex. The housing addresses the city's critical shortage of transitional housing and improves SRM's efforts to re-integrate guests into the community.