Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) is the latest politician to weigh in, seeking answers from the owner of the shuttered Wyndham hotel downtown, following reports of damage and vandalism, and that the owner caused it after not getting his way in plans to turn the hotel into an apartment building.

Budzinski, on Tuesday, sent a letter to Wyndham General Manager Al Rajabi — expressing concern, she said, about the continuing “deteriorating” condition since March, when with was believed to be intentionally caused water damage that has since rendered the hotel inoperable.

While the letter identifies Rajabi as the “General Manager,” he is said to be the owner of the Wyndham, through Tower Capital Group and Full Service Hospitality, LLC.

“The Springfield community deserves a vibrant, thriving downtown business district, and your mismanagement of the property at East Adams Street has directly undermined the city’s growth and prosperity,” Budzinski wrote.  “Springfield deserves more than repeated failures, unkept promises, and allegations of misconduct. Downtown Springfield can and should be a premier destination for conventions, exhibitions, tourism, and business opportunities. Regrettably, the Springfield community has instead endured six straight years of controversy and operational collapse.”

The insurance company covering the Wyndham has alleged the damage was what some have since called “sabotage.”  Also called into question was a March, 2024 lightning strike on the building, and how much damage was really done.

All this came after a March, 2023 request to turn most of the Wyndham into market-rate apartments was rejected by the council.

“Today, Springfield’s skyline centerpiece stands dark, boarded, and blighted – an eyesore in the heart of our capital city,” Budzinski wrote.

Tower Capital Group and Full Service Hospitality, LLC filed a federal lawsuit in Springfield against Affiliated FM Insurance Company after the firm rejected paying a claim. While some paperwork has been filed in the case this week, according to online court records, the case is not scheduled to go to trial until June 29, 2027.  A status conference is not scheduled until April 29, 2026.

“I urge you, in the strongest terms, to take immediate, transparent steps to clarify your intentions for the property and to work with local leaders to ensure its return to safe and productive use,” wrote Budzinski.  “In the interim, I remain committed to working with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that the next chapter of this property finally delivers the value and vitality our community deserves.”