Due to the fire this morning, City staff completed a necessary, partial demolition of unstable walls within the former Kmart building at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. The City was already on track to demolish the full building beginning in 2024, but the fire this morning has brought newfound urgency to that effort.

In the next City Council cycle, City staff will be seeking Council approval on the demolition contract that was already bid out. Following approval, formal demolition work can begin, starting with abatement and proper disposal of hazardous materials. The work will unfold as quickly as it can over the upcoming weeks and months. 

The New Nicollet Redevelopment Project remains on track and staff are currently gathering feedback from community members on new roadway and public space design concepts. You can learn more about the project on the City’s website.