Renovations are officially underway at two former motels in Gainesville, marking a significant step in Alachua County’s effort to expand housing options for its most vulnerable residents.
The county is transforming the former Budget Inn and Scottish Inns into 67 housing units for the homeless by the end of September 2025. This initiative is part of a best practice model where older and underused motels and hotels are converted into housing.
In 2021, the Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the Budget Inn, followed by the acquisition of the adjacent Scottish Inns in 2023. Both properties were earmarked for conversion into permanent housing, with each renovation projected to cost about $4 million to be funded by state and federal grants.
The units will mix permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing, with services determined by assessed need.
Rapid rehousing (RRH) is permanent housing that provides short-term (up to three months) and medium-term (four to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services to households experiencing homelessness.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is permanent housing in which housing assistance (such as long-term leasing or rental assistance) and supportive services are provided to assist households with at least one member (adult or child) with a disability in achieving housing stability.
Read more about the county's housing efforts.
“Transforming motels into homes is a powerful step toward restoring dignity, stability, and hope for our most vulnerable residents,” said Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck.
About the Scottish Inns renovation
The renovation of the Scottish Inns, managed by Ulloa Management Group, will create 31 efficiency units. Planned upgrades include new fire sprinkler systems, updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure, new roofing, and the installation of bathrooms, kitchenettes, new flooring, windows, and doors.
About the Budget Inn renovation
Gray Construction Services is leading the transformation of the Budget Inn into 36 one-bedroom units. Each unit will feature a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, and small living space. A new fire sprinkler system will also be installed to meet safety standards and ensure the building is suitable for long-term residential use.
For more information, contact Facilities Director Travis Parker at 352-374-5289 or tparker@alachuacounty.us.
