The future of the Hotel Fresno is again facing uncertainty.
With progress deadlines rapidly approaching, there is little progress to show.

Back in June, the city set a November 21st deadline for the owners of Hotel Fresno to make repairs and prove they are sincere about rehabilitating one of downtown's enduring landmarks.

When the hotel changed hands this summer, it appeared those concerns would fade, but now the current developer needs more time to avoid a city-mandated demolition process.

Romi Baghgegian is the Pasadena-based developer who bought Hotel Fresno.

He says environmental testing and asbestos removal are delaying renovations.

"Every time we take a step, it's two steps backward, whether it’s looking for lead in the paint or asbestos in walls," said Baghgegian.

Baghgegian and city officials estimate the asbestos abatement is 90-percent complete, but other problems remain.

Deputy city attorney Charlotte Hylton says new owners have not met the court-mandated benchmarks laid out earlier this year to bring Hotel Fresno up to code.

"They're on a very tight timeline at this point," said Hylton.

By November 21st, owners are expected to complete improvements or face demolition.

It is likely Baghgegian will need to ask the Fresno city council for an extension, which means he needs to submit a proposal, performance schedule, and rehab plan to the city attorney's office before Halloween.

Hylton also says the new ownership group has yet to fulfill certain financial aspects of the court order.

In spite of these delays, the city's relationship with Baghgegian and his development group remains strong.

Baghgegian says architects are already at work on the plans which will transform Hotel Fresno into two floors of retail and five stories of residential living space.

"Hopefully, in a couple of years, you'll have a nice looking building,” said Baghgegian.

The city wants to put the idea of an extension up for the debate before the council at its next meeting on November 6th.

Click on the video link to watch Adam Sexton's report.