Big, black letters on a marquee sign outside the Niles Inn & Conference Center inform passersby that the business has officially closed its doors.

According to Niles City Fire Chief Larry Lamb, owner George Jappaya decided to permanently close the motel and conference center, located at 930 S. 11th St. in Niles, instead of fixing a number of maintenance problems in the facility.

“Last week or the week before we went on a follow-up inspection because we were notified of some concerns and complaints,” Lamb said.

Lamb said an investigation discovered issues with the hotel’s water system, boilers and swimming pool that were not up to code.

“We’ve had some issues in the past,” Lamb said. “For the most part over the years, they would try to comply or fix whatever the problem was.”

This time, however, Jappaya, who declined to comment on the business’ closing, decided to close its doors.

“It comes down to a business decision,” Lamb said.

The Niles Inn had 85 rooms and banquet facilities that frequently hosted fundraisers, reunions, parties and conferences.