CHICO, Calif. — A Chico landmark is getting new life as progress continues on renovations at the Matador Motel on The Esplanade.

Crews have finished clearing debris and overgrown grass that surrounded the longtime motel. Work is now moving forward with painting the exterior later this week. Project leaders said the fresh paint will match the building’s original colors.

The Matador Motel, which is listed on Chico’s historic resource inventory, was purchased by a Los Angeles-based group earlier this year. Developers plan to restore the property as a boutique hotel while incorporating modern amenities.

The revitalization effort has drawn attention from community members who view the motel as a piece of Chico’s mid-century charm.

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