The Fort Dodge City Council will consider purchasing a piece of property Downtown on Central Avenue at the next Council Meeting.
According to a memo included with the agenda, the Council will consider purchasing a piece of property at 710 Central Avenue. A purchase price of $1.00 has been negotiated.
The property was recently included in a facade rehabilitation project, but was deemed to have structural concerns. The property was eventually demolished in the Fall of 2024. State funding was used in part for the demolition. In an agreement with the State for use of the funding, a public space was proposed.
If the agreement moves forward to completion, a bronze plaque will be positioned to commemorate the building that was demolished. This plaque would be similar to other historic plaques around the downtown.
A historical-themed mural will also be placed on the site depicting the history of the 700 block of Central Avenue, or the history of Fort Dodge Downtown Historic District in general. When the project progresses, interested artists will be allowed to submit proposals.
The site will also include preservation of some historical elements of the building, such as the ‘Cigar’ tile located at the entrance of the building, recycled bricks from the building, and the metal canopy that was positioned over the outside staircase on the East exterior wall.
