Middletown planning to demolish former Montgomery Ward building

Recent high winds damaged part of the roof of the former Montgomery Ward building that is owned by the city of Middletown.

The bricks and other debris that fell have been moved to the sidewalk. But city officials said they are moving ahead this week with the demolition of the building located on North Main Street.

The city has closed the southbound right lane of Main Street in front of the building.

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The city tried to sell the building twice but did not receive any bids or proposals, said Shelby Quinlivan, city spokeswoman.

The city has owned the vacant building since July 2012 after it was forfeited to the state for lack of payment of back taxes, and no city funds were spent, according to city officials. The city has been discussing demolishing it since at least early 2013.

Quinlivan said there was no minimum bid requirement for the property.

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The building demolition was bid in December 2017, but the city had not moved forward due to a lack of funds.

Quinlivan said at that time that Vickers had the lowest bid for $292,000.

She said city officials contacted Vickers earlier this week, and the company is prepared to honor its earlier bid price and could start work on the demolition this week. Duke Energy is confirming it will be removing their equipment out of the building.

City officials will bring the contract and details to City Council’s meeting on March 19.

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About the Author

Ed Richter

Ed Richter has been a working journalist for 38 years, with the last 34 years working in various capacities covering Butler and Warren counties as a reporter and an editor. Richter covers local news and governments in Warren County focusing on Springboro, Lebanon, Franklin, Carlisle and Waynesville.