Hancock To Enforce Dangerous Buildings Ordinance at Two Locations

Hancock will move forward with the city’s dangerous building ordinance enforcement for two properties near downtown. Both buildings have unique history within the city, but have in recent years begun to deteriorate.

501 Reservation Street was built in 1889, housing the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years. Since the congregation moved on, and previous tenants moved out, the church’s brick façade, windows, and masonry have deteriorated.

The building’s current owner Jeffery Theil, present at the special meeting, says he wants to save the building. He has pour thousands of dollars into the building so far, fixing outside drainage, landscaping, placing plexiglass over the stained glass windows to prevent further breakage, and using vinyl siding over areas where sections of brick are missing to prevent the elements from reaching further into the building’s structure. He says he is willing to work with the city to come up with a plan for repairs. Theil will have 60 days to comply with the city’s dangerous building ordinance, requiring him to develop a repair plan.

The second building under review of the dangerous building ordinance is the former Masonic Temple located at 228 Hancock Avenue. Built in 1864, the building has survived two fires. The Masonic chapter vacated the location after the second fire in the 70’s. The location has remained empty since, and was purchased by current owner, Soren Dresch, in 2007.

The City noted a number of issues with broken windows, a broken entrance to a cellar, and problems with the building’s roof that make it fall under the dangerous building ordinance. Hancock previously looked to inspect the location for public safety in 2012. The owner prevented the city from further inspection, replacing some windows.

In 2014 the City worked with MSHDA and Dresch on a 140,000 dollar rental housing grant. The city received the grant, and had begun to receive bids on the project, when in 2015 Dresch decided not to move forward with that project. In 2017 the building was listed for 125,000 dollars.

228 Hancock Avenue’s owner, Soren Dresch, will have 60 days to comply with the ordinance, and work with the city on developing a repair plan for the site.

City officials made clear that they want to see both locations return to use within the community, as each have identifying characteristics, history, and offer great opportunity for economic development with a purpose.