The Knox City Council members discussed 18 S. Main Street when they met Tuesday, January 28. The property is next to North 18 S. Main Street which is the structure that burned June 30, 2022.
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok explained that a settlement was reached and the city now owns the property. He said an engineer went in the building and recommended demolition. Mayor Estok said it would be too costly to renovate. Therefore, the city is obtaining estimates from a contractor to tear down the building. If the estimates are too high, the city will apply for a blight elimination grant to demolish the structure.
There are discussions being held on what the city will do with that space once demolition is complete. Mayor Estok said the space could be used for more parking, or perhaps a courtyard for an outdoor gathering space.
Additionally, Mayor Estok said a meeting was held with the Veridus Group to discuss the former Moose property. The company could help the city determine the best use of the space. He said a survey found that a commercial building or housing would be preferred.
More information will be presented in future meetings.
