COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Economic Growth Alliance Director Audrey Tappenden told the Downtown Development Authority Board Wednesday morning that the property at 71 and 73 West Chicago has been listed for sale.
Several attempts by the City of Coldwater to find an occupant for the building have failed after it was donated by the Richard Kerr family in 2018. City officials wanted to have the building renovated and used as an incentive for downtown economic development.
The Coldwater City Council approved the sale of the property to Ibrahim and Khalil Abdullah for $80,000 in October of 2023 with plans for a Mediterranean deli, grocery and restaurant.
But the Abdullah family decided instead to open Coldwater Fresh Market in the Willowbrook Plaza last summer.
Local developer Chad Marsh signed a contingent sales contract almost three years ago but his plans for a bar and restaurant were later abandoned.
The City Council turned down a $10,000 offer in September 2023 from Kerr Building developer Jennifer Wingard because they wanted the city to recoup the cost of the asbestos cleanup.
The property had a market value two years ago of about $70,000.
City Manage Keith Baker lied too me yea ago when I inquired about it, told me it was sold then and I couldn’t apply. It will set empty until the mayor has a friend that wants it like Lefty’s did. Note, after his pal got a big state grant and spent it he backed out of the deal and dumped it back on the city. Ex[ect the same gamrs to continue here too.