Abbeville council approves condemnation, seeks bids to demolish structure at 2115 Cherry Street

At its Feb. 18, 2025 meeting, the Abbeville City Council voted to condemn the property at 2115 Cherry Street and authorized staff to solicit bids to demolish the south-side building (the former Abbey Grill) and secure the adjoining structure known as the Budget Inn.

Councilmember (unnamed) moved to condemn the property and seek demolition bids; the motion passed with no recorded roll-call tally. Councilmembers discussed whether an existing mortgage would block municipal action; staff said municipal tax liens and other municipal liens would take priority over the mortgage. Council members noted a prior foreclosure filing had been withdrawn by the lender.

The motion as moved directed staff to: (1) obtain demolition bids for the south-side structure identified on council records as the former Abbey Grill, (2) secure the adjacent Budget Inn structure, and (3) proceed so that demolition and securing costs can be included in liens placed on the property and carried into adjudication if needed. City staff said they would first seek cost estimates and, if a demolition estimate is high, would return to council before awarding or proceeding.

During discussion staff and councilmembers clarified that a prior sheriff's-sale listing and a later withdrawal by the mortgage holder occurred before city notice. One councilmember reported the owner currently operates another business in Abbeville; the council did not identify an owner by name during the meeting.

Next steps: staff will obtain written cost estimates and bids and report back to council; the city will place liens for incurred costs as allowed under municipal procedures before seeking adjudication.