As Demolition of Sioux City Auditorium Relentlessly Moves Forward, Asbestos Concerns Loom

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News Summary

The historic Sioux City Auditorium faces demolition fraught with asbestos-related challenges, raising safety concerns and complicating preservation efforts.

As Demolition of Sioux City Auditorium Relentlessly Moves Forward, Asbestos Concerns Loom

The old Sioux City Auditorium, a historic landmark that has stood at 625 Douglas St. since its construction in 1909, is currently undergoing demolition with significant challenges arising from the presence of asbestos. Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore has confirmed that Hebert Construction is actively involved in mitigating asbestos during this critical phase of demolition, taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety amidst the risks associated with this hazardous material.

A Building with a Troubled History

The auditorium, which has been red-tagged since June 2022, has faced ongoing issues leading to its current state. Extensive asbestos contamination was discovered within the walls, further complicating the demolition process. As unfortunate circumstances unfolded, the building suffered a significant collapse on its west side resulting from roof leaks that began in the fall of 2022. This deterioration has led to stringent safety measures, with the site now cordoned off using chain-link fencing and clear warning signs alerting that the area poses dangers related to asbestos exposure.

Next Steps in Demolition Efforts

As the demolition process continues, one of the upcoming focal points will be the removal of a shared wall between the Sioux City Auditorium and the adjacent Wetmore Building at 615 Douglas St. This shared infrastructure presents an additional layer of complexity as efforts transition from demolition to potential preservation.

Recent developments suggest a growing interest in the Wetmore Building, with a developer offering to finance further engineering studies aimed at evaluating the feasibility of its preservation. This could potentially lead to the reconstruction or renovation of the Wetmore Building into residential units on upper floors, alongside commercial or office space on the main floor.

City Council Decisions and Financial Implications

city council voted in April to terminate a previous development agreement with Lamb Arts, which had intentions of transforming the site into a regional theater. Accordingly, a loan of $350,000 that had been extended to Lamb Arts was ultimately forgiven by the city, reflecting the shifting priorities and challenges facing the historic site.

Halts and Resumptions in Demolition Work

Further complicating matters is the ongoing demolition of the former KCAU-TV studios building nearby. Demolition work hit a pause on February 4 due to community efforts aimed at saving parts of the structure. Led by local businessman Dave Bernstein, discussions resulted in a two-week pause followed by the issuance of a Finding of Necessity signed by the city manager, permitting emergency repairs to be conducted without the usual public bidding process.

Future Plans for the Site

With work resumed on February 20, 2025, plans have surfaced that include preserving certain architecturally significant elements of the auditorium’s façade. As residents look toward the future, discussions regarding the land where the auditorium is situated indicate a potential transformation into either greenspace or parking facilities.

As both the Auditorium and Wetmore Building share an adjoining wall, the intertwined fate of these two structures underscores the critical need for a balanced approach that weighs demolition against preservation efforts. The ongoing developments at 625 and 615 Douglas St. continue to be a pivotal point of interest in Sioux City, with significant implications for the city’s historical landscape and community identity.