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‘Iron Grill’ building in Fairmont collapses

FAIRMONT — The former “Iron Grill” building at 407 Downtown Plaza in Fairmont collapsed Wednesday, putting in motion an effort to get the site razed.

The property is owned by Vincent Vaughn, who has been working on closing his parents’ estate. Vaughn’s intention has been to turn the site over to the city, which could then consider redevelopment options. The city actually accepted the donation in February 2017, pending clear title. The property has been tied up in probate.

Also in 2017, research fellows from the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota presented a design charrette, or plan, highlighting the possibility of incorporating a farmers market, amphitheater, retail outlets, a senior center and housing at the site, should it become available. The plan also involves 112 and 114 Fourth Street, additional properties owned by Vaughn that also would be donated to the city.

On Wednesday, city administrator Mike Humpal said he was aware of the building collapse and had talked to Vaughn on Wednesday morning. A city building official visited the site, suspecting that the structural failure was due to the weight of snow and water.

Humpal said the city would like Vaughn to agree to hold the city harmless so that it can tear down the property at city expense. The city also can initiate a process of giving the property owner notice and then making a finding that the site is hazardous, requiring remediation.

According to the Martin County Beacon website, the former “Iron Grill” property had a 2018 assessed value of $21,100, with the 2,300-square foot building, built in 1940, comprising $12,900 of the worth. The property was purchased for $10,000 in 1994.

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