He said the lower-level floor of the building at 11 Fourth St. SE is buckling and would require expensive repairs. Additionally, a heating and air-conditioning system prone to breakdowns with costly repairs would cost an estimated $156,000 to $210,000 to replace, and the roof is prone to leaking.
He also said an elevator replacement required to meet code would cost an estimated $100,000. The city has received a one-year reprieve on replacement based on plans to demolish the building within a year.
The building’s proposed demolition is expected to make way for future development on the west side of the Zumbro River, but the short-term use is expected to be green space for the city, with plans to gauge potential uses at the site, according to city project manager Josh Johnsen.