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Commission hears update on vacant hospital building; staff recommends market study and outreach
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Summary
City staff reported the vacant hospital building is being cleared, listed with a realtor and that staff has applied for a grant to fund a market study; the commission discussed holding a workshop soon to plan next steps if the property does not attract buyers.
City staff updated the Harrington City Commission on Aug. 19 about the status of the city’s vacant hospital building, saying the structure is being cleared of remaining medical waste and nonessential documents and is listed with a realtor.
The maintenance supervisor and contracted hazardous/medical waste firm have removed medical waste, staff said, and sensitive files are being shredded before the building is shown. A realtor took photos and the property is on the market with “stipulations we previously discussed,” the city manager told the commission.
Staff recommended a workshop or extended meeting within the next month to consider a market study and outreach strategy if the listing does not produce a viable buyer. The city manager said staff has applied for a grant that, if awarded, would help pay for a market study to analyze community demographics and identify potential end uses — such as assisted living, nursing care or other uses consistent with zoning — and noted that some uses could require rezoning.
Commissioners said they did not want to delay action and suggested scheduling a workshop sooner than the end of the year to explore options and recruitment strategies. City staff said the 2026 budget includes money for basic maintenance and winterization while the city markets the property.
No formal action was taken at the Aug. 19 meeting; the commission directed staff to schedule a workshop and continue marketing the property and pursuing grant funding for a market study.
