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Commission approves settlement to regain Riverfront Building; city to contribute $325,000
Summary
City legal counsel outlined a settlement that terminates long ground leases and returns the Riverfront Building to the city in 2027; non‑city defendants will pay an initial $2.175 million and the city’s contribution toward the settlement was described as $325,000. The commission approved the settlement 4–0.
Lawrence special litigation counsel presented a settlement resolving BC Lind Hospitality LLC and related claims against the city, arising from construction and an access road near the Riverfront Building.
Attorney Tyler Hibbler explained the settlement terms: defendants other than the city will pay an initial installment of $2,175,000; the second installment, anticipated in March–April 2027, will be paid by the city and the city’s total contribution in connection with the suit was stated as $325,000. The agreement includes a full release, dismissal of the lawsuit, mutual termination of long‑term ground leases, and surrender of the Riverfront Building to the city once the hotel vacates the premises. "Through this payment, those ground leases will be terminated and the building will be vacated and turned over to the city in 2027," Hibbler said.
Public commenters urged careful stewardship of the property and asked that the city consider public uses such as a farmers market or recreational access along the river. Vice Mayor Courtney and other commissioners said the city already owns the land under the building and described the settlement as an opportunity for future public‑facing uses and downtown revitalization. The commission approved the settlement agreement and authorized the acting city manager to execute it by vote of 4–0.
