City looks to demolish historic Albert Lea buildings

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KTTC) – The City of Albert Lea is proposing the demolition of two buildings on Broadway Ave. Buildings at 324 Broadway Ave. and 332 Broadway Ave. sit empty and according to the city are already collapsing. Albert Lea says the reason for demolition is to protect public safety and the rest of the block.

The buildings are owned by the city and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means tearing them down requires an Environmental Assessment Worksheet, which is open for public comment through April 14. The purpose of the worksheet is to determine whether a more in-depth environmental study is needed.

Copies of the environmental assessment worksheet are available for public review at the Albert Lea Public Library and the Inspection Department, 221 East Clark St., Albert Lea. Comments on the worksheet will be considered by the Albert Lea City Council in deciding whether more study is needed.

According to the city, both buildings are in severe disrepair, with collapsing interior floors and other structural damage. Pieces falling off the exterior pose a risk to pedestrians on the sidewalk below.

The city’s long-term goals for this location are to eventually sell the land for private development. Short-term though, the city says a park and green space could fill the space.

If demolition does indeed happen, it would be paid for by the city and happen in the summer of 2022.