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Loveland council approves removal of deteriorating Chestnut Street church, plans commemorative monument
Summary
The Loveland City Council unanimously authorized a contract to remove the deteriorating Chestnut Street church at 225 Chestnut Street, preserve original foundation stone, and develop a commemorative monument; asbestos removal precedes demolition.
The Loveland City Council on April 25 voted 7–0 to authorize an agreement with Citywide Remediation to remove the deteriorating Chestnut Street church at 225 Chestnut Street and preserve stone from the original foundation for a commemorative monument.
City Manager Dave Kennedy told council the south foundation wall had collapsed and that unauthorized access had increased, creating public-safety and maintenance concerns that exceeded the city manager’s $15,000 spending limit and required council approval. Kennedy said asbestos is being removed before demolition and the city will stockpile original foundation stones to use in a monument that commemorates the building’s history.
The action followed extended remarks from council members who described repeated efforts to save the structure over many years and who said structural and safety problems left removal as the only viable option. Councilmember John Hart and others praised the proposed monument and preservation of stone as a way to acknowledge the congregation’s role in the city’s history.
Councilmembers also noted a clerical address discrepancy in the paperwork; staff confirmed the contract and resolution reference 225 Chestnut Street (not 299 Chestnut as appeared in one document). Kennedy said staff and historic preservation partners, including representatives from Historic Loveland, are finalizing the monument design and wording.
The resolution authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with the remediation contractor and directed staff to proceed with asbestos abatement followed by demolition and stone preservation. No construction or reuse plan for the larger Chestnut property was decided at the meeting.
Mayor Kathy Bailey and councilmembers voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 39 authorizing the contract. Kennedy said the city will return to council with plans for the monument once design details are complete.
The record shows council evaluated preservation options and consulted with local historic preservation stakeholders, but the city concluded the structure’s condition and public-safety risk require removal now rather than further rehabilitation efforts.
