Keokuk, IA – Keokuk is starting the process of tearing down a deteriorating Main Street building by blocking off some access to it.
Community Development Director, Pam Broomhall, says the Main Street Cafe, which sits at the corner of 7th and Main Streets, has been deemed unsafe to occupy.
The city does not want people walking along the east side of it, in case it collapses, so an orange snow fence will be set up to block access to the sidewalk on 7th Street.
Broomhall says contractors will then be called to begin demolition.
The demolition bids came in at about $45,000.
Once the property comes down, the city is expected to talk to the owners about building a little park in the corner lot.
A portion of the building next to the Main Street Cafe must also be torn down.
Additional Information
* The estate of the former owner has "control" over the Main Street Cafe.
* Broomhall says the city has been given the legal authority to bring down the structure.