Manor Motel Being Demolished for Potential Expansion of WVEC

The Milbank Motel –  known locally as The Manor Motel – and its property have been purchased by the Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative (WVEC). The land, situated on Highway 12 as you enter the city of Milbank from the east, also lies adjacent to the headquarters of WVEC.

WVEC General Manager Dave Page says, “The existing motel and attached structures will be demolished, and the site will be cleared of trees and debris. In the near term, the area will be leveled and surfaced with gravel. The cooperative intends to retain the property for potential expansion of its headquarters or other business development opportunities.” Work to raze the buildings was in progress today. 

Established 75 years ago in 1951, the “motor hotel” was originally named Van’s Motel in deference to its developers Franklin Vandervoort and his son Marvin Vandervoort. In 1968, Ken Keller and Earl Bohlen, Milbank area natives, bought and remodeled the property. The duo added numerous upgrades, including the indoor swimming pool and sauna. Memberships to the pool were offered to the community. Keller and Bohlen also changed the name of the business to The Manor Motel.

Subsequent owners include Dick and Donna Brandsted, Phil and Connie Garrison, John Asgrimsson and his wife Jo Saemundsdettir – both natives of Iceland, Rob Holmquist, and Rodney and Shirley Parent.