OTTAWA — The bank that now owns the former Hometown Computers building at 124 S. Main is now getting the permit needed to demolish the dilapidated but historic three-story building. City manager Richard Nienstedt said city officials will look at the permit carefully because of safety concerns involving the demolition. The bank’s contractor will have to slowly and carefully removing the building, especially the top floor, to avoid collapsing the walls onto the neighboring business buildings, he said. The contractor will also have to shore up the walls, which are common walls with the neighboring businesses as well as filling in the basement, he said. “Safety is the main concern,” Nienstedt said. One of the neighboring businesses, Richeson-Taylor Accounting, has moved four doors down to 116 S. Main St. The other business, Trading Post Antiques, will be closed during demolition. After \recent stormy hearings, the city commission voted last week to allow the demolition to proceed.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m.
