By Ron VandenBoom
by Ron VandenBoom
The Havre Daily News
Thursday, May 13
The steel gray scaffolding extends three stories high and covers the south side of Havres Super 8 Motel like a second skin.
It is only one of the changes travelers may have noticed about the motel as they drove west on Highway 2.
To David Evans, manager of the local motel, looks are the price that has to be paid if, in his words, it is going to be a real plus.
I was told when I took the job there were going to be a lot of changes coming, he said.
Evans became manager of the west end motel Jan. 1, after the previous manager, Dixie Cooper, retired.
Since that time the changes have come fast and furious.
New furniture was one of the first changes Evans had to deal with after becoming manager. Franchise requirements stated that all furnishings had to be free standing, Evans said
All of the old furnishings that were attached to the walls had to be ripped out and the new furniture had to be hand carried into each room and up each flight of stairs. Fortunately, Evans did not have to do all of the work himself.
Now the remodeling has started on the outside of the building and several new features will be seen inside as well.
According to Evans, the outside of the building will see the removal of the crosshatch decor that has existed on the building for the past 18 years and the addition of a new two-tone beige stucco that will line the building in alternating sections.
This material is real popular now and I think it will really update the building, Evans said.
Landscaping is also going to be added to the motels parking area, Evans said. A greenbelt will separate the customer parking lot from the truck parking area on the north side of the building and a privacy fence will be erected on the south side of the motel.
Landscaping on the east side of the motel will also be completed and give the entrance a fresher more manicured look.
Finally, repairs to the parking lot will complete the improvements giving a new and refreshed look to the building.
Inside the Super 8, a new sit-down breakfast bar is being added next to the lobby and office space for the manager and a space for vending machines have been added to the southeast corner.
An expanded menu of complimentary breakfast items will be offered in the breakfast nook and include bagels, toast, English muffins, breakfast cereals, and an assortment of beverages.
A new atrium has been added to the north side of the breakfast nook to add outside light, Evans said.
The main purpose is to have a sit-down area and, at the same time, offer some additional items, he said.
The office will help reduce congestion in the counter area and give the desk-clerks more room to do their job.
Thats something theyre really looking forward to, Evans said. Getting all of my stuff out of their way.
Evans expects the remodeling will be completed by the middle of June, but it will not be the last change coming to the Super 8 a new computer system is anticipated this fall.
For now though, a certain normalcy will return.
But thats a part of the job, too, and you can tell Evans enjoys it.
One of the things Ive really enjoyed about being here so far is you really get to know a lot of faces, he said.
Its one of the things that makes the Havre Super 8 unique, even among other Super 8s.
We depend on a lot of repeat customers for a lot of our business, he said. People know when they come here the rates are going to be reasonable and they are going to get a certain standard of cleanliness and service.
We have a great housekeeping staff and reasonable rates and I think thats what they come to expect thats what keeps them coming back.
Its not all just talk when it comes to quality either. The Havre Super 8 has consistently received A ratings from corporate inspectors for the condition of the motel and the service they offer.
According to Evans, the corporate inspectors will visit every quarter and arrive without notice.
Were really proud of what weve got here, Evans said.
