Ex-Spring Valley care center to be demolished

Talk about it

SPRING VALLEY—After a year of courting tenants for the vacant former health care center, the Spring Valley Village Board has decided to demolish the facility.

The biggest contributor to the decision was the high price of keeping the building winter-proof, according to board discussion Wednesday. Another serious consideration came after recent visits to the nursing home, where severe mold was found.

The only remaining party interested in the space couldn't look at it until next April, a delay which could cost the village about $20,000 to keep the pipes from freezing. It was also agreed the building didn't have much remaining restoration value.

Demolishing a building is expensive: hazmat surveys, proper disposal of light ballasts and asbestos, in addition to permits, push the cost up to nearly $150,000. There are Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds available and Cedar Corporation, village engineering firm from Menomonie, would charge the village about $3,500 to $4,000 to do the grant.

Trustee Andy Vorlicek asked about doing the work without an engineer, to save money, but the work to arrange a demolition is extensive. The job itself will also be put out for competitive bids.

Village President Marsha Brunkhorst concluded the decision, saying, “We tried for a year. I think we've done the best we can. I think we should move forward and that the endgame should be demolition.”

Brunkhorst moved to pursue the project and also to direct the finance committee with looking for funds. The board unanimously approved the motion.

For more please read the Nov. 14 print version of the Herald.

Tags: spring valley, communities, health, wisconsin