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Council discusses future of 1918 building; demolition funding and reuse debated
Summary
Council members and the mayor discussed options for the long-vacant 1918 Building, noting past funding set-asides, interest from hotel developers, and concerns about demolishing the structurally sound building without a reuse plan.
City council members discussed the status and possible futures for the vacant 1918 Building during Tuesday’s meeting, weighing demolition, reuse and funding options.
Council member Igrasti asked for an update on the building. Mayor McCamp and other council members said the Defiance Area Foundation (and an associated Justin Kressel Foundation grant) had previously set aside a funding commitment — referenced in discussion as roughly $300,000 at the time — contingent on not demolishing the building for five years. The mayor said that five-year period has passed and that the city “in theory, can tear it down tomorrow,” but he cautioned against demolition without a plan.
Council members noted the building remains structurally sound, that some windows have been broken and boarded, and that the city has not heated or energized the structure. Council discussed outreach to hotel groups such as Marriott and Hilton and noted renewed demand for hotel space in Defiance. Council member Corbett asked whether the foundation would increase its prior commitment if demolition were required; the mayor said he could not speak for the foundation.
Council discussed cleanup and donation options — including seeking volunteers or civic groups to remove salvageable items — and flagged liability concerns about inviting volunteers into an unsecured building. One council member suggested arranging dumpsters and nonprofit pick-up rather than sending salvage to landfill.
No formal motion to demolish or to pursue a particular reuse was made at the meeting. The mayor said he would continue outreach to hotel developers and that next steps likely include targeted outreach and discussions about potential funding updates from foundation donors.
