The downtown building is a one-story commercial structure with a ramp leading to its roof at 901 First Ave. S. It sits at the corner of First Avenue South and Ninth Street, just across First Avenue South from the Warden Plaza.

That site has been identified as a key area for retail redevelopment, Vickie Reeck, the community and economic development director, wrote in a report to the council.

It was purchased for $100,000 from FDV LLC, of Fort Dodge.

An effort to buy some needed right-of-way for the reconstruction of the intersection of First Avenue South and 15th Street later this year led to the purchase of an apartment house.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
The Fort Dodge City Council bought this apartment house at 1425 First Ave. S. Monday night. It was purchased from United Property Group LLC, of Fort Dodge, for $67,500.

The owner, United Property Group LLC, of Fort Dodge, was approached by city officials regarding the right-of-way purchase. The owner then offered to sell the entire property.

The building is a three-story house divided into four apartments. It was purchased for $67,500.

The city will provide relocation assistance to the tenants.

A vacant house at 431 Hawkeye Ave. was purchased from Mark and Celia Taylor, of Fort Dodge, for $62,500. The Taylors have agreed to demolish the house before the sale closes.

The purchases were approved with no discussion. Councilman Dave Flattery was absent from the otherwise unanimous votes.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
The Fort Dodge City Council bought this house at 431 Hawkeye Ave. from Mark and CeliaTaylor Monday for $62,500. The Taylors will demolish the house before the sale closes.