Deadline Looms for Historic Gas Station

Has the YMCA done all it can to sell the landmark-designated Tudor-style gas station at 422 E. Broadway? And has the city landmark commission done all it can to help?

A meeting Monday afternoon with Chris Becker, YMCA chief executive officer, YMCA attorney Stan Riffles and members of the landmark commission debated those questions.

Two weeks ago, the YMCA petitioned the landmark commission to rescind the building’s landmark designation.

The YMCA bought the property in May 2010 to raze and make room for future building. However, in July 2010, the property was designated a historic landmark by the landmark commission. When efforts to appeal the historic designation failed, the YMCA listed the property for sale in February of this year.

Riffles said that they had 10 showings of the property, with people who have looked at the property mainly falling into two groups: those who are interested because of its historic designation and those who are interested in it for its commercial appeal. Possible businesses suggested for the location were auto sales, floral shop, bike shop or a small office.

Since listing the property, the YMCA has also made an effort to make it look attractive with landscaping and also repaired a leaking roof, he said.

However, the owners haven’t gotten any offers, according to Riffles and Becker.

If the owner of a landmark can demonstrate to the commission that the landmark designation prevents them from finding a buyer, they are allowed petition the commission to rescind the designation, according to city ordinance.

After petitioning, the ordinance states that the owner and the commission shall work together in good faith to locate a buyer for the property who is willing to abide by its designation and, if after two months no buyer is found, the commission shall rescind the landmark designation for the property.

That deadline is August 3. After that, the YMCA will be able to proceed with their plans to raze the building.

 “If anyone is indeed interested, now would be the time to step up…” Riffle said.

However, commission members pressed Becker and Riffle about the asking price for the historic building.

Commission member and realtor Sue Dregne noted that a commercial property listed at $149,900 across the street from the station has received an offer. According to Riffle, that offer was for much less than the asking price and the building isn’t comparable to the gas station.

The YMCA is asking $159,900 for the historic property. When purchased by the YMCA in 2010 for $152,500, the property was assessed at $125,000 with an equalized value of $129,900. The 2011 tax bill lists an assessed value of $125,000 with an equalized value of $124,500.

Dregne asked if the Y was willing or able to reduce its price as a means of garnering interest in the property.

Riffles and Becker said they thought the price was fair, given what the Y paid for it.

“We’re not trying to get anything more than what we paid for it. We’re simply trying to recoup those funds," Riffles said.

But he was clear that the Y does not want to sell the property and would prefer to raze it.

"We don’t want to be the seller. We want to knock it down. We’re being reasonable in terms of why. But if somebody came in with an offer, we would obviously look at it," Riffles said.

Another factor that could be working against the selling of the property is the length of time on the market. Commission members wondered if 90 days was long enough to sell a property in this depressed market.

Other discussion centered on the role of the landmark commission in the selling of the property. Commission members said that the commission has no real money to do any advertising, can’t act as the seller, and is obligated to work with others in the community. They have, however, posted a notice about the sale of the house on their webpage and also listed it for sale with historic preservation websites, they said. There is also a Facebook page about the building.

“We’re doing everything that the ordinance allows us to so,” said commission member Reginald Sprecher.

To help with the sale, the YMCA would like the commission to reach out to supporters of historic properties potential buyers and make it known that there remains a short window of opportunity.

The landmark commission asked the Y to provide an update about the selling of the gas station at its next meeting, July 6.