Downtown Hartley building to get demolished

The Hartley City Council on Monday moved forward with plans to demolish a dilapidated downtown building.

The council approved a bid from Site Services for asbestos abatement at 170 S Central Ave. for $15,860. Also approved was a demolition bid from Schmillen Construction worth $51,425, which includes the garage east of the building in the alleyway.

"The deteriorating condition of the building has been a serious concern to the council, especially given the proximity to operating businesses on both sides of the building," City Administrator Erica Haack said after the meeting.

The building formerly housed Create A Craft and is owned by Mary Rons, of Hartley. It was deemed dangerous in 2019 by O'Brien County Environmental Health Specialist Jonathon Hintz, who observed during an inspection four years ago that one-third of the roof had collapsed and floor support beams were in poor condition. He also said portions of the mortar were pulling inward.

Little has been said about the building during open council meetings since it was declared dangerous. City officials recently taped a sign to the front door barring anyone from entering due to unsafe conditions.

According to Haack, Rons still owns the building. The city obtained an order for judgment concerning the property when the building was found to be in violation of Hartley's dangerous building ordinance. Under the order, Rons was required to either remove all mold, repair or replace the roof and complete other required repairs, or completely demolish the building within a required timeframe.

"In the absence of any of those actions taken by the owner, the city was allowed to arrange for the repairs or demolish the building, which is what the council has decided to do," Haack explained. "Transfer of ownership of the property to the city will proceed, with details pending."

This isn't the first time the city has paid for a building to be demolished downtown, and it won't be the last.

In 2019 the city paid $63,200 to tear down the former dry cleaners and barbershop building located at 37 First St. SE. The 1,200 square foot facility was acquired from Esther Flores and was deemed dangerous due to deteriorated structural conditions.

Additionally, the city is planning to the demolish the former Capitol Theatre building located at 185 S Central Ave. The city has owned the building since October of 2020 after acquiring it from Dwight and Darla Jacobs. Asbestos abatement costs have been estimated at $38,000, while demolition expenses will range between $100,000-$130,000.