Keokuk is ready to do something about the former Flowers by Daryl building at 707 Main Street.
Code Enforcement Officer Kathie Mahoney says a majority of the building’s exterior is in good shape, but she says the rear portion of the structure is basically gone.
The city has received one bid of just under $8,700 to repair the building.
Mayor Tom Marion says Keokuk does not want to see another vacant Main Street lot.
“It’s in the middle of the block,” says Marion, “so if you take it down, you are affecting property owners on each side. It is also, ‘what do you put in the middle of the block,’ as we have lost enough buildings and got enough lots that it is not pretty.”
The money to pay for the repairs would come from the demolition fund. It’s unclear when the project would get underway.
The city says the out-of-town owner is not interested in maintaining the property, so if Keokuk can acquire it as an abandoned building, it could be sold.
