The Winnebago EDA discussed the vacated Patriot Assisted Living building at their meeting on July 1.

The Patriot Assisted Living building in Winnebago has been vacant for many years. Although the city does not own the building, the Winnebago Economic Development Authority, at their meeting on July 1, discussed options for the building’s future.

“The same company that owns Parker Oaks also owns the Patriot Assisted Living building,” EDA specialist Dave Schmidt told the EDA members. “It is unlikely they will do anything with it.”

The problem, Schmidt noted, is the cost to get rid of the building.

“I met with someone from Blue Earth Environmental and did a walk-through of the Patriot building,” Schmidt said. “Due to the mold and items inside of the building, the ball park estimate for demolition is around $500,000.”

Schmidt stressed that the number was a ball park figure and the person giving the quote wanted to be sure the amount would cover all of the costs associated with the demolition.

“The demolition isn’t the worst part – the disposal of everything inside the building is quite expensive,” Schmidt commented. “On another note, the building itself is structurally sound.”

The discussion then moved to possible ways to offset the cost of the demolition.

“Is there help available from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or other groups?” Schmidt asked. “We can also check with DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) on their demolition loans and redevelopment grants.”

The EDA members also discussed the need for new housing in the city and felt that the site of the Patriot Assisted Living building would be a good place for new homes.

“I visited with Judy Ness from Homestead Realty about housing,” Schmidt said. “She felt patio homes would be the most feasible option for new housing construction in the city.”

The EDA also discussed a new retail store in town.

“Cozy Corner Haven is located at 14 Main Street North which is where the store that sold bait and tackle,” Schmidt shared. “They are looking for financial help for a register and security equipment, initial inventory and working capital. They are looking for $16,000. We have referred them to SBDC (Small Business Development Center) in Mankato and the Faribault County EDA to help identify additional funding options to decrease the ask for the Winnebago EDA.”

Schmidt also informed the board that SMIF’s Small Town Grant applications open on July 22 with a maximum grant possibility of $10,000.

The board also discussed the past-due loans of Shane Roberts.

After some discussion a motion was passed authorizing attorney David Frundt to perform a disclosure of assets of the debtor search at a cost of around $100. Once that is completed the EDA will decide how to pursue the issue.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13.