The Windmill is open for business
When Jake Randall purchased a rundown motel on Olney’s Main Street six months ago, he faced a monumental challenge. The horse trainer from Springtown acquired a property long known for housing struggling tenants and generating constant calls to the Olney Police Department. But rather than shy away from the daunting task of rehabilitation, Mr. Randall saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the place.
Today, that motel, now renamed The Windmill, is well on its way to a full transformation, thanks to Mr. Randall’s dedication and the efforts of a handful of friends and supporters.
“When I first walked in, I just looked around and thought, ‘I don’t even know where to start,’” he said. “There was so much to tackle, so we just started with the trash— throwing things away, fixing the roof, painting the walls—just to get a fresh start.”
Since taking over the property in July, Mr. Randall and his team have been steadily working to clean and restore the 43--room motel, aiming not just to improve the conditions but also to change the reputation of what was known in Olney for decades as The Pipeliner Inn. His goal is to strike a balance between longterm rentals and shortterm stays, with approximately 60 to 70 percent of the rooms designated for long-term tenants and the rest operating as hotel accommodations for travelers, hunters, and workers passing through town.
“We wanted to let people know that this place is here and that they have a clean, safe option to stay in when they come to Olney,” Mr. Randall said. “There are a lot of good people here now.”
Many of the rooms have undergone deep cleaning and repairs, with some receiving full renovations. Mr. Randall has implemented monthly room inspections to maintain the motel’s improved standards, ensuring cleanliness and upkeep among the long-term tenants. “It’s all about setting expectations,” he said. “I tell people: keep your space clean, get along with others, follow the rules, and pay your bills—and you’re welcome to stay.”
While The Windmill now serves as a refuge for a variety of people— including retirees on fixed incomes, workers from local businesses like Tower Extrusions, and families waiting for government housing—Mr. Randall is also working to attract more short-term guests. During the height of hunting season, the motel saw an influx of visitors, and he is optimistic that its improved reputation will draw more travelers in the coming months. “Now that we’ve gotten past the initial cleanup phase, I’m looking forward to seeing more people come through,” he said.
The refurbished rooms rent for $80 per night with a $60 per night rate for the rooms waiting to be restored. Long-term residents pay $200 per week or $800 per month, a rate that includes all utilities, he said.
Mr. Randall also hopes to enhance the exterior of the property in the next six months. “Ideally, I’d like to repaint the entire building and replace the sign,” he said. “A lot of people ask when it’s going to be done, but we’re taking it one step at a time.”
Beyond the physical improvements, Mr. Randall has prioritized restoring a sense of safety and respectability to the motel. By screening prospective tenants and working with local law enforcement to ensure a secure environment, he has already reduced some of the issues that once plagued the property.
“A lot of the people living here now really appreciate the changes,” he said. “It’s a fresh start for them, too.”
With occupancy hovering around 70 to 75 percent, The Windmill is already proving to be a success story in the making. Mr. Randall credits much of that success to his belief in the town of Olney itself. “I just love it here,” he said. “I used to be all over the place, traveling constantly. Now, I can go weeks without leaving Olney, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Photo by Will Sadler
Photo by Will Sadler