Local motel sees new owners

The Golden Door Motel has new owners that look forward to seeing the stars at night. Photo by Tracey Peters

By Tracey Peters

Copy Editor

There are new owners of the Golden Door Motel. Scott and Terrie Smentek recently moved here from Chicago to own and manage the Golden Door Motel that has been in Traer for years.

The couple, both previous employed at attorney’s offices in Chicago, had been initially looking for real estate in the Cedar Falls area, hoping to find cheap real estate business to run after the floods. After searching a website, Terrie came across The Golden Door Motel for sale. As this is where Scott’s family lives the couple thought it to be a win-win situation.

The Smenteks have no children and enjoy traveling. They have lived together in Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago and now Iowa.

Scott is a graduate of Cornell College and Terrie was originally from Baltimore.

When asked, “What do you most look forward to, living in Traer?” Scott replied, ” Being able to look up and see the stars at night.”