This site is the location of a former Kmart store that closed in 2017.  Since Kmart’s closure, the building has remained vacant and the site has become a public nuisance. 

In February 2020, the building was tagged Unsafe to Occupy due to people living inside the building as well as unsafe and unsanitary conditions.  The property owner, WC Independence Center, LLC, was notified of the violation and given time to correct.  No action was taken by the owner. 

In August 2020, the building was tagged dangerous due to the rapidly deteriorating condition of the structure and continued vagrancy.  WC Independence, LLC was again notified and given time to correct.  Again, no action was taken by the owner. 

In April 2021, a fire mostly destroyed the freestanding garden center building.  After no action by WC Independence, LLC, the City demolished the building.

Since 2020, there have been 31 code enforcement cases resulting in the City paying approximately $24,500 for abatement of violations.  In each of those 31 code enforcement cases, the property owner failed to respond or correct the violation. 

The City has decided to move forward with the demolition of the building.  The Notice of Pending Demolition was issued and posted on the property on June 1, 2023. 

On June 1, 2023, the City requested bids from the list of 10 qualified demo contractors.  A total of 7 bids were received from demolition contractors.  The cost of the bids ranged from $199,000 to $789,000.  Houston Excavating was selected as the low bidder to demolish the dangerous building.