Faribault council approves demolition of building at 505 Central Avenue

A city staff member told the Faribault City Council that the city purchased the property at 505 Central Avenue roughly a year ago and is now seeking to demolish the existing building and remove pavement to restore the site to green space while awaiting redevelopment. The staff member said, “the city purchased this property a year or so ago with the intent for redevelopment,” and described the current proposal as limited to removing structures and pavement and restoring the parcel.

The staff member said the estimated project cost is $50,000. Council members asked whether curb work on Fifth Street or Central Avenue could be combined with the demolition to provide additional parking; staff said curb/parking infill would be handled under a separate contract and was not part of this demolition resolution.

Council members also asked about contamination given the site’s former use as a gas station. The staff member said a hazardous materials inspection focused on building materials and the site had been completed and that there was no indication of typical dry-cleaner type contamination. “We did have a hazardous materials inspection done primarily on the building materials and site,” the staff member said.

Mayor Spooner moved to adopt Resolution 2025-167 to demolish the existing building and remove pavement at 505 Central Avenue; the motion was seconded by Teal and the council approved the resolution.

The demolition will proceed under the terms described in the resolution; the council did not vote on any curb or parking improvements during this action, and staff said those would be considered under a separate contract.