West Kentucky Star spoke with Chris Colson of Chris Colson Auction & Realty about the property.
According to Colson, the building, which is located at 1501 Broadway, is approximately 29,315 sq. ft. counting all of the levels. Colson believes the building is very sturdy structurally due to it mostly being concrete, brick, and rebar. Although the fixtures such as the lights, doors, trim, tile flooring, and paneling have extensive damage. There is also some damage to the roof due to the ice storm of 2009. Because of the damage, extensive renovations are needed.
When it comes to bidding, Colson says there is three acres of property, so social distancing won't be a problem. For anyone concerned about the ongoing pandemic, they also have the following options for remote bidding:
1) Bidding by proxy, having someone bid on your behalf as long as a pre-registration bid card has been filled out.
2) They can bid online, which also requires a pre-registration bid card as well as an absentee bid form, and a good faith deposit.
Anyone that wishes to participate remotely should contact the Auction Company to make arrangements.
Colson says the building has been a landmark of the community for over 100 years, and he is proud to be involved.
He said, "I know a lot of people would like to see this building stay and somebody renovate it, put money into it, and bring it back to its glory." Colson continued, "Whoever buys it can do with it as they see fit. If there's anybody that's interested, we just hope they show up."
The auction will be an absolute auction, and will sell to the highest bidder. Bidding is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
The facility was originally constructed in the late 1800s by the Illinois Central Railroad and served as one of the three hospitals for the railroad. The building had burned in 1917, but was rebuilt and re-opened in 1919. Normal operatios continued until the 50s, when it was then purchased by George Katterjohn. At this point the building was leased to several local businesses, primarily being used as office space. Tenants began leaving the building in early 2000 and has been mostly vacant since.
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