Keokuk, IA – One organization wants to see more discussion and planning when it comes to the clean-up of a collapsed building on Keokuk's Main Street.
The former Green Tambourine building, at 528 Main Street, collapsed on July 31. The massive pile of rubble at the corner of 6th & Main remains.
The owner of the building is from Elgin, IL. City leaders have been told that Keokuk could be on the hook for the clean-up due to the owner's lack of financial resources.
Kevin Kuckelman says the Keokuk Historic Preservation Commission would like to see a special committee formed to determine the best way to clean up the property. He says the panel should consist of city staff and representatives of the commission, Main Street Keokuk, local financial institutions, and environmental agencies.
Kuckelman says there is a historic element, beneath the rubble, that could be saved. He says the element is arches and viaducts that were part of Keokuk's original water and sewer systems.
Kuckelman says it is important that heavy equipment is not brought in that could damage what is below the surface. He says the subterrainean features may not be salvageable, but it should be explored.
The Keokuk City Council did not say if a special committee would be formed. Mayor Dave Gudgel did say the city has started some preliminary work to determine the impact of asbestos.
Kevin Kuckelman owns the building that houses WIUM/WIUW's Southeast Iowa news bureau.