Council authorizes purchase of downtown grain elevator at 88 E. Main for $550,000 to guide redevelopment

City Manager (Mr. Cardwell) presented staff’s proposal and asked whether the council wished the city to pursue control of the grain elevator property next to the iconic downtown elevator for potential community-driven redevelopment. Staff said the property (site referenced as 88 East Main) has historic wooden construction likely built around the turn of the 20th century, contains remnants from prior fertilizer operations and will require environmental review.

Cardwell said an offer to purchase the property for $550,000 was accepted pending council approval, with funds to come from the downtown TIF district. He asked council to authorize an initial $50,000 for a Phase I environmental site assessment, possible Phase II sampling and modest security and preservation measures (such as clear-coating an exterior painted flag) while the city develops community-driven redevelopment ideas. Staff estimated about three acres in the parcel footprint but said much of that area is within MDT and railroad easements and that the usable land is under one acre; staff also said they are in preliminary contact with BN (BNSF) about acquiring a nearby leased warehouse parcel if redevelopment requires additional parking or access.

Council moved and unanimously authorized the city manager to enter into a purchase agreement and related agreements for 88 East Main; staff said the acquisition would leave approximately $2,000,000 remaining in TIF funds after recent downtown purchases and that the matter will proceed with a Phase I environmental review and community-engagement process.