Lower Street 'trio' buildings face possible foreclosure; landmark protections noted

City officials updated the Special Committee on the Future of Downtown on May 29 about foreclosure and code‑enforcement activity related to three historic Lower Street buildings commonly referred to in the meeting as the "Lower Street trio."

Mike Weinstein of the mayor's office told the committee that foreclosure proceedings are moving forward because of liens tied to code violations and unpaid fines; if foreclosure concludes successfully the properties could be sold at auction at the courthouse in a matter of months. Weinstein said the city has met with potential purchasers, that the administration continues to pursue foreclosure to enable a change of ownership if current owners do not resolve liens, and that other claimants also hold liens on the properties.

Councilmembers asked whether the current owners had offered to resolve the city liens; staff said the owner has offered no payment sufficient to clear liens and that other creditors and unpaid vendors also hold claims. Committee members discussed whether the city could bid to acquire the properties at auction or otherwise intervene to stabilize the structures. Several members emphasized preservation concerns and the buildings' downtown importance if a viable rehabilitation plan can be found.

Carla Lopera of the Office of General Counsel told the committee that the Lower Street trio are locally designated landmarks and therefore any partial or full demolition permit would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission under city Code chapter 307 before a demolition permit could be issued. Laurie Boyer of DIA said the agency had been involved previously in related discussions and that property disposition work and optimal‑use studies had been delayed by staff transitions; procurement received an optimal‑use study scope after internal staff turnover and a delayed bid process.

Councilmember Chris Miller asked whether the owner or prospective purchasers were present to speak; staff said they were not. Members acknowledged past, unsuccessful redevelopment proposals for the buildings and the practical difficulty of rehabilitating structures that have been exposed to weather and deterioration for decades. Committee members asked staff to continue discussions with interested developers and to return with options that could preserve historic fabric where feasible while advancing redevelopment if possible.

No action was taken at the May 29 meeting. Staff said they will continue foreclosure work, pursue procurement and optimal‑use studies, and provide updates to the committee as the process advances.