Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
North wall is a concern prior to building's demolition
The Capitol Theatre's north wall abutts the former Steve's Bar & Grill building, which is now used as a residential dwelling.
The anatomy of the former Capitol Theatre was questioned by the Hartley City Council on Monday.
Members approved a proposal from Bolton & Menk for professional engineering services to assess the condition of the dilapidated building, specifically its north wall. The city has owned the property for the last four years after it was deemed hazardous due to years of neglect.
"We need to know if the north wall is attached [to the abutting building]," said City Administrator Roxann Swanson. "We need to know if we can even take that north wall down."
Engineer Wes Boyer said the inspection will assess all aspects of the building, and anything they can't see will be noted in the report. The inspection will evaluate the potential impact demolition will have on the abutting property, which is used as a residential dwelling now.
The council would like to tear down the building within the next year. Swanson once again plans to apply for an Iowa DNR Derelict Building Grant, which would help offset costs. Hartley previously received a grant to assist with hazardous material removal from the building's interior.
Hartley officials earlier this year applied for a Derelict Building Grant worth $75,000 to help with demolition of the building, but they were denied. The estimated price tag for removal has ranged between $110,000-$185,000.
