Hunter
02/24/23
Johnson County plans to demolish three Iowa City houses they own after it was determined that it would be cheaper to do so rather than repair them.
The Daily Iowan reports that the properties were purchased years ago by the County with the goal of using the land for expanding the Johnson County Sheriff’s office, but public referendums have gone down to defeat. The homes have been rented out for the county by Heritage Property Management, but rental contracts were terminated at the end of July.
An audit on all county-owned properties included the three homes, located at 514 and 520 South Capitol Street, and 4 East Prentiss Drive. The audit found the homes in such poor condition the decision was made to demolish them.
Habitat ReStore and Friends of Historic Preservation Salvage Barn will remove salvageable appliances and architectural fixtures before demolition takes place.
This week, the county appropriated over $126,000 of American Rescue Plan Act money to demolish the three houses. Earth Services and Abatement has been contracted to complete the demolition. It was estimated that the cost to repair and make the home at 520 South Capitol ADA compliant alone would have exceeded $453,000.
The county has no plan for the land post-demolition.