Down it goes, sort of

The front still remains, but most of a problematic downtown Hartley building was removed last week.

A crew from Schmillen Construction, Inc., of Marcus, removed the building on Nov. 2. It formerly housed Create-A-Craft and was acquired by the city from owner Mary Rons after being deemed hazardous because of its dilapidated condition. Cost to remove asbestos at the building was $28,855 and demolition was estimated at $51,425.

Asbestos and other hazardous material were removed in the summer. The crew from Schmillen last week demolished the back of the building and left the front, which was done to avoid having a hole downtown. The building sits between GaLuxy Photo and Real Reflections salon.

City Administrator Roxann Swanson said the plan right now is to keep the front of the building erect. Further discussions about the space will occur in the near future, she said.