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The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved stabilizing the roof of the former railroad depot on West Main Street in an effort to remove blight in the community and potentially preserve the building for improvements in the future.

The building, at 625 W. Main St., has been in bad shape for some time but became more prevalent after the warehouse fire next-door in December 2020, said Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg.

Rigg said while there is some risk to fixing the roof, they know the outcome for the building if they do not repair it, noting that the property owner has refused to do so.

Background information provided by the city states city staff have tried to get compliance from the building’s now deceased owner Robert Ackland, and and his son John Ackland, who is now in charge of the estate, for four years. Rigg said he wasn’t sure whether they haven’t fixed the building because of a lack of means or a lack of desire.

The city also previously considered purchasing the building in 2022 or 2023.

The city was awarded an administrative search warrant to enter the building and make the repairs, which Rigg said he hoped would be completed before winter.

The project would include replacing shingles, replacing missing decking and sealing holes in the facia and soffit. The council authorized staff to seek quotes for the repairs, up to $140,000.

He said he hoped the action would improve the chances that a private investor would take on the building.

The cost will be assessed to the property. In the meantime, Rigg said the funds for the project would come from an interfund loan from either the general fund or other fund sources.

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker said during the work session ahead of the council meeting that he didn’t think the council would do themselves any favors by letting the building go and tearing it down.

In other action, the council also made findings that a house at 610 Water Street and the Bonnerup Building on Clark Street were considered substandard and most likely should be demolished.

The findings were made as the city and the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency work with a developer and property owner on a project that will require the eventual creation of a redevelopment tax increment district. If the parcels are considered contributing toward the creation of the district, they could be eligible for district incentives.

The council also authorized purchasing the property at 610 Water St. for no more than $1 from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The city plans to demolish the structure and seek reimbursement through tax-increment finance or sale of the property.