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Photograph May 19, 2002: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
Left: Not able to make a go of it as the Liberty Inn, the former Motor Lodge was boarded up and perhaps still salvageable as recently as 2002.
 
 
 
Photographs 2004: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Having made several visits to the Topeka complex over time, Mr. Sargent witnessed its rapid deterioration once it had been closed. At the time of his 2002 stop, evidence indicated that there was a remote chance for revival, but by later visits it had become obvious that no grand reopening was going to occur.

Upon Sargent's final visit in 2004, the property had been fenced off as a warning to would be trespassers and was a sign of its pending demolition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although it looks terrible in these photos, the Gate Lodge was in fact remarkably intact--even until the end. Note the decorative acrylic panels and disarrayed but still serviceable interior of the Gate Lodge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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