Demolition appears likely for Little City Building

As stability of the long-shuttered Little City Building in downtown Ottawa continues to falter, the likelihood of demolition becomes more of a reality, Mayor Robert Eschbach told The Times Friday.

Last week, concrete blocks and metal barricades were placed blocking the alley on the west side of the five-story 1902 structure at 112 W. Madison St.

"Just recently we learned the west wall has shifted a little more," said Eschbach. "A structural engineer said the west wall is dangerous, and as a precaution we blocked off the alley."

In the past year, the city has been working with an interested buyer for the property.

Potential renovation plans for the 24,700-square-foot building included retail on the first floor and a boutique hotel on the second, third and fourth floors.

The problem, said Eschbach, is in the past year the building suffered significant deterioration, in turn driving up the cost of stabilization and asbestos removal.

"We've gotten to the point where the costs are approaching $1 million," Eschbach said.

The possible buyer identified as Kiest Properties, of Ottawa has stepped away from the project, he said.

Also, the City Council's plan for the city to take temporary ownership of the building is on hold.

Eschbach said the current owner, RJR Properties of Chicago, is being advised the condition is worse than believed and the funding for demolition is being sought.

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Demolition appears likely for Little City Building