The Galesburg City Council will vote Monday night on a $129,340 contract to demolish four connected, vacant commercial buildings at 224-240 South Seminary Street — a highly visible row directly across from the Amtrak station.
If approved, D&T Demolition LLC OF Galesburg will take down the entire stretch from the Cornucopia parking lot south to, but not including, the still-operating Penn’s Used Furniture. The building at 240 S. Seminary was once home to the popular La Salle Electronics Store.
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta says the city has owned 236, 238, and 240 since 2014, when Midwest Uniform Supply moved out, and acquired the final piece at 224 just months ago.
“Three of the four buildings have been empty for years and are well beyond economical repair,” Gugliotta told WGIL. “They’re attractive nuisances and no longer meet code. Clearing them improves safety and cleans up a key gateway for train and bus passengers.”
Five companies bid on the project; D&T’s $129,340 bid was the lowest and best. Work, if approved, is expected to be completed within five months, weather permitting.
While no firm plans are in place yet, the city’s recently completed Public Transit Vision Plan identifies the site as an ideal location for a new Downtown Transfer Center. That would move the current bus transfer point — now at Prairie and Main streets — across from Amtrak, giving riders a better waiting area and tighter connections to regional rail and bus service.
Funding comes from TIF IV. The item is on Monday’s consent agenda.
The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at Galesburg City Hall.
