Patty’s Lodge, the Ontario County motel that became known statewide through its connection to the Sam Nordquist homicide case, may be closing its doors, though questions remain about whether current residents can legally be forced to leave.
Residents recently received notices stating the motel would permanently close at 11 a.m. on June 1 and that all rooms and common areas must be vacated. The notices warned that utilities, including water and electricity, would be shut off and advised occupants to remove their belongings before the closure date.
The development comes just months after Patty’s Lodge drew national attention during the investigation into the death of Nordquist, a 24-year-old Minnesota man whose body was discovered in Yates County in February 2025. Authorities said Nordquist had stayed at the motel before his disappearance. Seven defendants are facing first-degree murder charges in the case, and separate trials are expected to begin later this year.
According to property records cited by local media outlets, ownership of Patty’s Lodge was transferred on May 12 from DG Hotels LLC to Om Lakshmi Ariya LLC. Residents told reporters they believe the new owners may have redevelopment plans for the property, although no official proposal has been announced.
Several residents told local news sources they received the closure notice on May 21, giving them less than two weeks to find alternative housing. Some said they have lived at the motel for months and are concerned about becoming homeless if the property closes.
However, Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione said the notices do not constitute legal eviction orders. According to the sheriff, property owners must first obtain a court-issued warrant of eviction before tenants can be forcibly removed. Cirencione also said utilities cannot legally be shut off without proper authorization.
Legal experts have also questioned whether the notice period is sufficient. Rochester attorney Michael Macomber told News10NBC that residents who have lived at the motel for an extended period may qualify for tenant protections that require more notice than the 11 days provided in the letter.
Officials with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office have indicated they will not remove anyone from the property unless a court issues a warrant of eviction. The property’s new ownership has not publicly commented on the closure notices or future plans for the site.
The motel also came under additional scrutiny in April when a fire prompted a response from firefighters and law enforcement agencies. Officials have not publicly released a cause for that fire.
For now, residents remain in limbo as they await clarity on whether the motel will close and what comes next for one of the Finger Lakes’ most closely watched properties.
