Wanamingo council rezones former repair shop on 2nd Street to allow single‑family home

The Wanamingo City Council voted unanimously April 13 to rezone 125 2nd Street E (the former Henry’s Small Engine/Blossoms & Keepsake site) from C‑1 Central Commercial to R‑2 Residential, clearing the way for its conversion to a single‑family residence.

At a public hearing opened by Mayor Ryan Holmes, applicant Tim Amundson described planned renovations including new insulation and furnace, installation of 4‑inch piping under the floor, cutting openings for bedroom windows and a sliding door, and enlarging the concrete slab behind the building to provide off‑street parking. Amundson said the finished home would be a single‑level layout of about 2,600 square feet.

City Administrator Michael Boulton told the council that rezoning to R‑2 would likely generate less traffic and parking demand than continued commercial use on Main Street. Mayor Holmes said he appreciated the applicant’s plan to add parking. After discussion, Councilmember Jeremiah Flotterud moved to approve Ordinance #216 and Councilmember Stuart Ohr seconded; the motion passed 5‑0‑0.

Why it matters: the property sits on Main Street and has limited off‑street parking in its current commercial configuration. The council said converting the building to a residence would reduce commercial traffic and reduce the number of vacant Main Street commercial buildings.

Next steps: With the rezoning adopted, Amundson may proceed with the described renovation and parking improvements subject to any building permits and inspections required by the city.

Votes and procedural note: The rezoning ordinance was adopted on a 5‑0‑0 vote after a public hearing that closed the same evening.