April 24, 2024

Rental units at former Juice and Junk ready for demolition

By Jamee A

Four rental storage units at the former Juice and Junk site were approved to be demolished by the city council as a part of the Commercial Dangerous and Dilapidated Program. Howe Excavating of Newton receiving the contract at bid of $19,499. (Jamee A)

Demolition work is continuing at the former Juice and Junk site. The four rental storage units were approved to be torn down by city council at its July 5 meeting.

The 10.49 acre property was purchased by the city in March for $550,000 with the intention of tearing down the former convenience store and storage buildings for future development. It was purchased as a part of the Commercial Dangerous and Dilapidated Program, a program working to improve the blight properties throughout the city and in the Interstate corridors.

The former convenience store and storage units went through asbestos abatement and a period for former renters to clean out their spaces as well as the city cleaning out the rentals of any items left behind. The store was demolished in mid-June by Iowa Demolition of Des Moines at a cost of $33,100.

Four bids were received for the 56 unit storage building demolition with Howe Excavating of Newton receiving the contract at $19,499. Also bidding on the project were Iowa Demolition at $29,950, Lanphier Excavating of Reasnor at $36,000 and Environmental Edge of Ottumwa at $39,900.

Funds from the Southwest Tax Increment Finance District fund will pay for the demolition costs at the property. The completion date for the project is set for August 5.

The demolitions are making way for a new Hardee’s fast food restaurant approved for the space by the council on June 6. Approximately 1.2 acres in the northeast corner of the property was sold for $100,000 to 4 G Properties of Colorado. The new eatery will fill a space that has been mostly vacant for more than 10 years and conveyed an image of poor upkeep at Interstate 80’s exit 164, which serve as a primary entrance to the city.

In total, the investment from 4 G Properties will be more than $1 million. The company has plans for an upscale-style restaurant along with accompanying signage and landscaping.

With the Hardee’s acquisition, the city still has approximately 9.3 acres of land available for future developments.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com