OTTAWA — The owners of the former Hometown Computers building at 124 S. Main have taken out a demolition permit for the building. City manager Richard Nienstedt saids the demolition permit is the first step in a process that includes notifying the Kansas State Historical Society, which must offer its recommendations because the building is in the city’s historical district. The building is in foreclosure and is held by a Kansas City bank. The city and the bank have approached others about buying the building but there’s been little interest in it, he said. The owner is looking at the options and will decide what to do with the building soon, he said. It’s possible that the first floor of the building could be saved and re-used but the second and third floors are in such poor condition that they’ll likely have to be removed, he said. The city ordered Hometown Computers out of the building and barricaded it because of its deteriorated condition. The gas, water and electric service to the building has been cut off, Fire Chief Jeff Carner said.
Thursday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m.
