After nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry, Stan Lucas is making some changes.
Red Bud Inn on State Road 46 West closed Sept. 1. Since then, Lucas has been selling the furniture, windows and more from the inn.
He is clearing space for his next endeavor: 28 climate-controlled storage units he plans to open in December.
Lucas said that the motel industry was not the same after the Little Nashville Opry burnt down in September of 2009.
“It is what it is; that’s life,” Lucas said. “I should’ve done this when the Opry burnt down. But I didn’t.”
After the fire, Lucas told Indianapolis Star reporter Robert Annis that 80 percent of guests at the Red Bud were concert-goers of the Opry.
A few years ago, he remodeled four rooms. Two of those he rented for three nights in the 18 months after their renovations.
This year brought many unforeseen changes to the hospitality industry with hotels and inns having to close in March due to the pandemic and not reopening until June.
Red Bud Inn hosted a total of three customers in August.
“A lot of people are camping, staying outdoors,” Lucas said.
He also said that this time has been a blessing to him in a way, helping him to make the decision to close.
His mother owns the 215 units at Red Bud Storage, which he has been running for her. His units will be different sizes with inside entrances and climate control, being 60 to 70 degrees year-round.
As for what’s next, Lucas said he looks forward to the future.
“It’s another chapter in my life. I’m happier than I’ve been in 10 years,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
