By Dave Fidlin
CORRESPONDENT
A City of Whitewater economic development group is moving forward on a plan to raze two Main Street buildings in the hopes of bringing new economic development opportunities in the years ahead.
At their monthly meeting on Oct. 17, the Whitewater Community Development Authority’s board of directors gave the go-ahead to initiate a request for proposals process to raze the existing buildings at 108 W. Main St. and 216 E. Main St.
The RFP process will bring more clarity into different demolition companies’ estimates on bringing both dilapidated structures down.
The CDA board has been discussing the future of both parcels in recent months. The entity purchased the properties in March with visions of bringing new economic development opportunities in one of the city’s most high profile areas.
In the case of 108 W. Main St. – also known as the Baker building – the directive to raze the building came after a series of deliberations.
“(It was) with the intent to renovate the existing commercial structure and either rent or sell the property,” Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert outlined in a memo. “Staff made arrangements for inspection of the property and obtained proposals from a roofing contractor for repairs to the roof and a proposal … for stabilization of the foundation of the building.”
However, the ultimate cost of bringing the former Baker building back to its glory days resulted in a pivot at the CDA board’s September meeting.
“The board reviewed the estimates for required repair of the roof and repairs necessary to stabilize the existing building on the property, which totaled approximately $65,000,” Zeinert said. “After lengthy discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the demotion of the building … and passed by unanimous roll call vote.”
Since the vote, Waukesha-based North Star Environmental inspected the property and gave an assessment of conditions within the structure.
“We have gotten the asbestos and lead results back. Unfortunately, there is both in 108, so that will just have to be noted within the RFP,” Zeinert said.
Jeff Knight, who sits on the CDA board, said the outcome of the 108 W. Main St. building should give pause as the entity considers additional land purchases.
Speaking to full reviews of building environmental conditions before land purchases are considered, Knight said, “I think it might be wise in the future. We might want to think on that before we jump.”
As for the 216 E. Main St. property, the plan for that property has been the same since the land was acquired this spring.
The plan all along has been to raze the structure and leave it as a vacant lot until a prospective buyer comes along and purchases the property.
Much like the 108 W. Main St. property, the CDA board officially voted at its September meeting to raze the 216 E. Main St. building as a part of the RFP process.
Based on the RFP documents reviewed at the most recent CDA board meeting, a Nov. 30 deadline has been set for the quotes.
The CDA is seeking full completion of the project – building demolition and site restoration – by May 31, 2025.
