The Wedge building has been saved from the wrecking ball yet another time.
Attorney Joe Maxwell, who served as Missouri senator and lieutenant governor before returning to his Mexico law firm, told the board of aldermen that he is representing Greg Klement and other investors who want to save the historic building.
Maxwell acknowledged that the project has “been a real struggle for the council” and also acknowledged that a bid to demolish the two-story uniquely-shaped building had been let.
The building, which has been vacant since the fire of April 2009, has mold in it, but the engineer said that this will not be a problem once the building is roofed and allowed to dry. “He’s very much convinced it will remedy itself,” Maxwell said, responding to questions from the council.
He said he will meet with members of the state’s Historic Preservation group and will attempt to obtain gap financing for the project through transferrable tax credits. Currently, he said, prominent Jefferson City attorney and Monroe City native Robert Hawkins, and others, have pledged funds in an effort to preserve the building, one of the oldest remaining in the town. He said Klement would have a role in the proposed company, but Maxwell would be the administrator.
Maxwell proposed using the bottom floor for business offices and the top floor would once again be used as rental apartments, eligible for government subsidies for low-income residents.
He proposed a two-phase plan which includes setting up a limited liability company. Any funds for historic preservation would be administered through his law office. He plans to present the council with a cash flow analysis and means of financing.
Maxwell asked the City to transfer ownership of the building to the LLC company for $1 and share in some of the costs, including the cost of asbestos removal already incurred by the City and possible fees for the demolition company that had been awarded the bid.
He asked the board for confidence that he could “bring the right people to the table to save a 100-year-old landmark.”
“The Wedge will once again be a magnificent landmark,” Maxwell said. Mike Roberts of Roberts Demolition was at the meeting with his attorney, James Lemon. Roberts asked that the City obtain insurance on the building, and he will relinquish his.
He said he and his crew have been unable to work since they had set aside time to demolish the Wedge and asked that he be compensated for any lost time.
Alderman Brian Hays said there are already many vacant downtown buildings. “But not every building is empty,” Maxwell said, assuring them that he has expertise in this field.
Mayor Neal Minor said he does not feel it is the City’s job to save privately-owned buildings.
The council voted to allow Maxwell the opportunity to pursue this matter until July 8. Alderman Gerry Quinn was the only dissenting vote, stating that the council had voted on this numerous times and not followed through.
In other matters, the council approved hiring recommendations made by Marshal Darren Freidank and discussed vandalism at South Lake. The gates to the lake will now be closed at 11 p.m. nightly.
The council also awarded a bid for a former police car to the high bidder, Charlie Gaines.