Sheldon, Iowa — A building that has been a downtown Sheldon landmark for more than a century now sits partially empty and has fallen into what the O’Brien County Assessor calls, “poor condition”.
According to a report from Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker, there have been discussions with the absentee owners of the H. C. Lane building, which is located on the southwest corner of 9th Street and 4th Avenue downtown, about the condition of the building. Kooiker’s report says the recent tenant in part of the building moved out due to the unresolved conditions with the structure. She reportedly told of the need for 47 buckets to collect the water from leaks. The report says one of the remaining tenants has also mentioned difficult conditions.
The building was built in 1901, and beginning in 1916, housed a business called ‘The Bargain Store’, which was opened by the Wolff family. That business grew until it became known as Wollf’s Department Store, drawing shoppers from a wide area to Sheldon. The Wollf’s store stayed open until 1987 when the remaining family members lost interest in the business.
Kooiker’s report says the interactions with the absentee owner, Danny Lane, and his local property manager, Rod Fonkert, have been positive. He says Fonkert has confirmed that he plans to fix the roof this coming spring.
Sheldon doesn’t have a property maintenance code or building inspection ordinance, however the City does have a dangerous building code under which affected parties could file a complaint.
At this time, it appears discussions will continue regarding the options the City of Sheldon might have in dealing with the situation.
