The Independence City Commission will continue its discussion of dangerous and unsafe properties in the City, including the historic ARCO building.
At tonight's regular meeting, commissioners will consider setting the date for Public Hearings on eleven Independence properties. In the past few years, the City has prioritized the condemnation process in an attempt to improve housing opportunities and remove blight. Among those properties is the old ARCO headquarters on 10th Street.
The building came under new ownership in 2023, and, at that time, the buyer informed the City of his plans to make repairs to the aging building. In 2024, the structure was placed on the Register of Historic Kansas Places and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since those discussions, the City has made multiple attempts to contact the owner about the status of the building with no success.
According to the City of Independence, while the building's historic designation reflects its significance to the community, the practical realities associated with its condition must also be considered. If condemnation is pursued, the City could be faced with substantial costs associated with environmental abatement, stabilization, and demolition. Preliminary estimates indicate that abatement and removal of the structure could exceed several million dollars. Commissioners may make a decision tonight on whether to continue efforts to contact the owner or to move forward with condemnation.
Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at the Independence City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the City's website.
