Old building ruled out as courthouse fix
Published 12:00 am Monday, June 18, 2001
Remodeling the Western Grocery/Stevens Hardware building could cost Freeborn County more than building a new court facility, and involve a lot more risk, according to an engineer’s report.
Monday, June 18, 2001
Remodeling the Western Grocery/Stevens Hardware building could cost Freeborn County more than building a new court facility, and involve a lot more risk, according to an engineer’s report.
Members of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners have agreed that fixing the building would not be the best option to solve the county’s courthouse dilemma.
&uot;I don’t think that as a county we’d be interested in sinking that kind of money and taking that kind of risk,&uot; said Chairman Dave Mullenbach.
Commissioners had LS Engineering evaluate the building after a Minnesota Historical Society architect who surveyed the structure recommended restoring it.
According to the engineeer’s report, the building’s windows, masonry, roof and floor are extensively damaged.
Constituents are not interested in preserving the building because of its historical value, commissioners said.
&uot;I’ve heard two people mention they want to save that building, and probably 20-plus saying they want it to come down,&uot; said Commissioner Mark Behrends. &uot;It’s my job to represent my constituents and the ratio is 10 to one.&uot;
County Building Maintenance Manager Randy Jensen has also recommended demolishing the building.
Commissioners will vote on the issue at their June 26 meeting. Until then, Jensen is trying to find someone who will salvage the large wood beams from the structure.
Contractors have estimated it will cost between $163,000 and $180,000 to demolish the building and dispose of the materials, said Jensen.
&uot;I would be much more at ease tearing that building down, especially if we can save that wood,&uot; said Commissioner Dan Springborg. &uot;Because then it isn’t like we’re throwing away the building, we’re just throwing away the junk part.&uot;