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Staff: Downtown building is "dangerous and unsafe," demolition and repair options discussed
Summary
City staff told commissioners an engineering review found significant structural failures on the west side of a downtown building owned by Mr. Godfrey, estimated demolition at $100,000–$150,000 and restoration at least $500,000, and recommended immediate weatherproofing and a hearing next month to set a timeline for repairs or demolition.
City staff presented an engineering assessment saying a downtown building owned by Mr. Godfrey meets the municipal code threshold for "dangerous and unsafe." Christopher Schreck, the city’s community and veil director, said the west wall has collapsed areas, roof and floor framing are compromised and portions of the basement and foundation are affected.
"After the hearing from the property owner, the commission still found that the structure met the threshold for dangerous and unsafe determination, and also allowed time for repairs or demolition by the homeowner," Schreck said, summarizing the prior process. He told commissioners the most urgent need is to stop further deterioration from exposure to the elements with temporary shoring and weatherproofing before any restoration work.
The engineering review by Kaw Valley Engineering, cited by staff, recommends cleaning the collapsed area, installing temporary walling and replacing damaged trusses and masonry. Schreck told the commission the independent findings estimate demolition costs at "$100 and 150,000" (staff read as $100,000–$150,000) and said full restoration would likely cost at least $500,000, especially given historical-preservation constraints.
Commissioners asked whether the owner, referred to repeatedly as Mr. Godfrey, had pursued available grants; Schreck said the owner told staff he had not completed grant applications and had sought to sell or donate the building, and staff will require the owner to appear at a hearing at the first June meeting. Schreck recommended immediate shoring and a firm construction timeline if the commission grants the owner an extension; otherwise the city can move toward condemnation and demolition with cost recovery mechanisms (special assessment, lien, collections) if the owner does not pay.
The commission did not take formal action on the structure at this meeting but directed staff to bring the item back at the scheduled hearing with updated timelines and any new buyer information. Staff also flagged potential grant opportunities (HEAL, emergency HEAL, CDBG) with application deadlines staff said were likely in August.
