Flat Iron becomes hot property
By JILL SCHRAMM, Staff Writer jschramm@minotdailynews.com
POSTED: May 6, 2008
A group that’s been lobbying for preservation of the Flat Iron Building might have competition in its effort to buy the building.
City Manager David Waind said he has been approached by two other parties with an interest in the building. One is a developer who attended the petroleum conference in Minot and is looking into renovating the building for housing.
Deb Carroll, representing the Dakota Flat Iron Group, reiterated the group’s offer to buy the building for the $16,127 that the city paid for it a year ago with plans to demolish it.
Carroll upgraded the group’s proposed 10-year payment plan to a cash offer.
“It’s an opportunity for you to walk away now without spending more money,” Carroll said.
She pointed out that restoration creates jobs while demolition costs the taxpayers.
The city had received only one bid for demolishing the building, which came to $326,381. The council voted Monday to reject that bid but agreed to rewrite the bid specifications and authorize another call for bids.
The council indicated it is open to discussion about a sale, however.
Alderman Dave Lehner said the council needs to continue to pursue demolition while discussing a sale in the event none of the three interested parties come through with a workable deal. The city can’t afford to lose time if it ends up that demolition is the solution, he said.
Carroll indicated that renovation can be done in about three years. The length of time that renovation might take has been a concern of aldermen.
Preservation North Dakota named the building as one of the top-three structures on its Most Endangered List last week. Carroll said that opens more avenues for funding, which she said look promising.
The Flat Iron Building, named for its unusual, triangular shape, stands near the corner of Central Avenue and Broadway. Built in the early 1900s, the building has housed a variety of businesses over the years.
