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HomeMy WebLinkAbout15.D.1. Demolition of Building at 129 Levee Dr 15:0.1. CITY OF SHAKOPEE MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and City Council Mark McNeill, City Administrator From: Mark Themig, Facilities and Recreation Director Date: February 12, 2003 Subject: 129 Levee Drive Building INTRODUCTION City Council is asked to provide direction on reuse or demolition of the former Community Services building located at 129 Levee Drive. BACKGROUND The City owns a building located at 129 Levee Drive, just west of Huber Park and the Hwy 101 river crossing. This building housed the former Community Recreation Recreation department for several years, and more recently served as a sub station for Shakopee Public Utilities. It was originally constructed as a maintenance facility for the utilities department. Although it looks considerably different now, I've included a photo of the building from the early 1900's to show its original condition (Attachment A). The building has been vacant for over a decade, and has fallen into a state of considerable disrepair. Some may even consider it an "eyesore" as you enter into Shakopee from Hwy 101: DISCUSSION In 2001, staff discussed potential demolition of the building. As part of the 2002 budget process, City Council included $30,000 for demolition. However, before seeking authorization to demolish, we researched the possibility of renovating and reusing the building. As a first step, Building Department staff examined current issues with the building. Although structurally sound, a number of issues would need to be addressed in order to bring the building up to current codes. In addition, the building needs a new roof, major exterior work, and significant interior work to address some asbestos and major cosmetic issues. Initial estimates by staff estimate this work to be $100,000-$200,000. With this cost figure in mind, we researched potential reuse opportunities, including creating senior center or teen center, working with other civic organizations such as scouts, or even leasing/selling it for private sector use. The teen/senior center concept doesn't work well due to operational and staffing issues (the Community Center is a better location for these activities), and we received no interest from local scout groups (Attachment B). Leasing or selling the building to the private sector could interfere with potential Huber Park/First Avenue development. As a final step, we consulted with the Scott County Historical Society regarding historical aspects of the building. It is not on the Historical Register. John Gutteter from the Historical Society indicated that buildings should be saved only if there is a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit, and if it is economically feasible to restore the building. In this case, it appears that none of these criteria can be met. The Historical Society is not opposed to demolition, but would like to document the building prior to demolition. RECOMMENDATION After considering the condition of the building, estimates for renovation, and limited reuse potential, staff is recommending that the City proceed with demolition. Due to potential asbestos issues, we also recommend soliciting quotes from contractors to do the demolition and infill (if needed). Once demolished, City Public Works staff could come in and do final site restoration work. One option that I discussed with Bruce Loney, Public Works Director, is to incorporate the demolition of the building into the sewer reconstruction project. In doing so, the contractor would already have equipment on-site, and potentially give us a better price. However, we feel that we should still proceed with quotes for demolition alone to get an idea on what the actual cost would be. In either scenario, Council would need to provide final authorization to proceed with demolition, as well as a budget adjustment to transfer the funds from the 2002 budget to the 2003 budget. REQUESTED ACTION If Council concurs, move to authorize staff to seek quotes for the demolition of the City building located at 129 Levee Drive. M~~~~? Facilities and Recreation Director . -\j- ~(;'J'~""Y'J'~ ~~~\ ~ -t-'\"c..~' ~ v-6 "\ ~ ~ SHAKOPEE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT To: Shako pee Scouts Shakopee Hockey Association Other Interested Community Organizations From: Mark Themig, Facilities and Recreation Director Date: January 30th, 2003 Subject: Community Services Building, 129 Levee Drive As you may know, the City owns a building located at 129 Levee Drive Oust west of Huber Park/Hwy 101 river crossing). This building housed the former Community Recreation department for several years, and more recently served as a sub station for Shakopee Public Utilities. However, the building has been vacant for over a decade. Although it looks considerably different now, I've included a photo of the building from the early 1900's to show its original condition. We have investigated the possibility of renovating/reusing the building for a senior center, teen center, etc. However, initial estimates by our building department place renovation costs in the $100,000-$200,000+ range in order to comply with building codes and address asbestos issues. Given the condition of the building and the costs to renovate, the City is contemplating demolition instead. We have heard that there may be some community groups interested in reusing the building. Two specific examples that have been brought up in the past by community members include a dry-land training area for hockey, and a scout facility. If an organization were to be interested in reusing the building, the organization would be required to fund the repairs and upgrades in order to bring the building into compliance and address the asbestos issues. Also, some type of use/lease agreement would be needed. If your organization is interested in the building and would like to see the interior, I have planned a tour for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday February 12. If interested in touring, or if you have further questions, please contact me at 952-233-3837, or bye-mail at mthemig@ci.shakopee.mn.us. COMMUNITY PRIDE SINCE 1857 1255 Fuller Street. Shakopee, Minnesota 55379-1351' 952-233-3830' FAX 952-233-3831 www,ci.shakopee,mn,us . parks@ci,shakopee,mn,us