Keokuk, IA – Safety concerns could lead to the demolition of a property along Keokuk's Main Street.
Community Development Director, Pam Broomhall, says the Main Street Cafe, located at the corner of Main and 7th, must come down soon because it is rapidly deteriorating.
A report to the city council shows that portions of the 2nd floor have collapsed into the 1st floor.
Broomhall says the city is working with the owner of the property, though a timeline must be worked out and an engineering study is needed on a common wall.
She says that wall has led to early demolition estimates of around $50,000.
She says the city has an order to tear the property down. Once that is done, the current owner would retain the property.
The city may be interested in the lot, though, to possibly widen that intersection.
Additional Information
*Broomhall says the property cannot be tested for asbestos, which means it must be demolished as if the substance was present.
*Traffic would likely be delayed during construction.
*Keokuk may have to hire a site manager for the project.