Matter Of Price Bros. Building Demolition Tabled Until February

By Gordon HopkinsThe Fairbury Historical Preservation Commission voted to table a discussion of the possible demolition of one of Fairbury’s oldest landmarks, the Price Brothers Hardware building at 325 D Street, until a later meeting. Price Brothers Hardware building is the second oldest structure in Jefferson County, built in 1874. It has been vacant since 1997 and was condemned back in 2021. The commission met on Wednesday, January 17, to discuss demolishing the building. David Lange, the building’s owner, still hopes it can be saved.The reason cited for the proposed demolition is “hazardous conditions.”“Yesterday, I believe Mr. Lange also submitted an application for construction on that same building. We had some discussion with our attorney in regards to this,” said Laura Bedlan, Fairbury Development Services Director. “It might be wise to actually postpone that meeting until we can issue hearing notice for Mr. Lange’s request and then have both those items (demolition and permit) at the same meeting. That was attorney recommendation.” “The attorney did say that Mr. Lange and I can negotiate, repairs,” said City Code Enforcement Officer Dan Lufkin, who indicated he has been in discussions with Lange. “And he has his thoughts, I have my thoughts on what needs repaired and fixed.” Lange was in attendance at the meeting. Commission member Kelly Davis, who also serves on the city council, said, “I know the Code Enforcement Officer asked you to take some videos inside. I think it’d be in your best interest. If you want us to save that building, we know what we’re working with.” After the meeting, Lange told FJN, “Since the nuisance notice in 2021, repairs have included foundation work, guttering, and a few other things. Full restoration of the building will be a monumental task, but feasible with time and dedication. My current concern is to maintain the exterior and to safeguard the potential to restore the interior. The building is definitely a labor of love; that said, I am an investor.”Lange said he had been working on the building prior to the condemnation.“December, 2013, was when I removed the front asbestos siding and restored the entry dimensions,” said Lange. “Ghost signage restoration was September, 2019.”Another meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., to be held at the city council meeting room.

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