The Ramsey County Board will discuss on Tuesday a proposal for the removal of two vacant buildings; the former Ramsey County Government Center West and the former Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. In September, the Board directed County staff to work with an outside consulting firm to determine the feasibility of the deconstruction of the two buildings.
The proposal provides the following details.
- Demolition could start in the spring of 2015.
- Total project costs may run as high as $11.5 million.
- Ramsey County could be eligible for a grant to help pay for some of the project.
- The project will include the construction of a retaining wall to provide bluff stabilization.
The Ramsey County Board has expressed interest in redeveloping the site. Removing the existing buildings and preparing the property for development is being suggested as the best way to increase market interest in the site, similar to the process used to expedite the TCAAP project.
The location of the property provides magnificent views of the Mississippi river valley and the opposing bluff. Future development of the site could likely involve a mixed use, high-rise tower.
