City Council Approves Asbestos Abatement for Historic Centennial Hall

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News Summary

The Le Mars City Council has approved a bid for the removal of asbestos from Centennial Hall, addressing community health and future development.

City Council Approves Asbestos Abatement for Historic Centennial Hall

On a seemingly ordinary day, marked by rain showers and an overcast sky on May 27, 2025, the Le Mars City Council convened and voted unanimously to move forward on a project with significant implications for community health and future development. A bid for the removal of asbestos—a hazardous material associated with mesothelioma and other serious health risks—from the former Centennial Hall was approved without opposition.

A Cost-Effective Solution

The approved bid for the asbestos abatement, submitted by Environmental Property Solutions based in Des Moines, totaled $163,000. This figure is considerably lower than previous estimates that had placed the projected costs at around $242,000 based on findings from a study conducted back in 2012. The process for choosing the contractor revealed a significant range, with the highest bid coming in at an astonishing $396,200 from Environmental Services, Inc. situated in Norfolk, Nebraska. The significant savings and successful past experiences with Environmental Property Solutions highlighted the bid’s value to the city.

Health Risks and Legal Obligations

As cities grapple with outdated infrastructures, the presence of asbestos remains a looming threat. It has been well-documented that asbestos is linked to severe health issues, including lung disease and mesothelioma—a type of cancer directly resulting from asbestos exposure. The removal of such hazardous materials is not merely a choice but a legal requirement, mandating that certified professionals handle any abatement efforts. Residents and public officials alike have expressed relief knowing that this project is a step closer to keeping the community safe.

Centennial Hall: A Historic Structure with Controversial Future

Originally established as the New Dorm on the now-defunct Westmar College campus in 1968, Centennial Hall transitioned into a notable landmark within the city when it was renamed in 1969. The building remained operational until the college’s closure in 1997, and since then, it has become a subject of contention and community discussion. After being sold in 2012, the city repurchased the property in 2024 due to concerns that it could become a nuisance and impede potential urban development plans.

With the building’s condition becoming a significant point of concern, the city council engaged in discussions on January 21 and April 15 about the necessary studies and agreements with Eocene Environmental Group for asbestos removal. The current objective is not only to rid the structure of hazardous materials but also to prepare for its demolition, which the city estimates will cost around $200,000. The total project cost for asbestos removal and demolition together stands at approximately $465,000.

Future Development Plans

As discussions around neighborhood revitalization continue, planning and funding sources become essential. The council is exploring various avenues, including possible grants from the federal Environmental Protection Agency along with leveraging tax increment financing (TIF) dollars for this project. Council member Clark Goodchild has voiced support for demolishing the building, citing the absence of viable alternative uses that would justify its upkeep.

While previous attempts at repurposing Century Hall have fallen flat due to exorbitant costs, the community is hopeful this latest venture will unlock value within the Le Mars Highway 75 Bypass Urban Renewal District. It remains imperative that a detailed asbestos study is conducted to ensure no stones are left unturned in addressing safety concerns surrounding the building, despite the existence of the earlier 2012 assessment.

Asset for the Community

As the city navigates this critical project, citizens eagerly await a time when Centennial Hall is no longer a hazard but rather a potential asset for the community. With safety at the forefront and plans to pave the way for future developments, the path forward illustrates a proactive approach to community health and revitalization. This endeavor not only addresses the dangers posed by asbestos but also sets the stage for new opportunities within the landscape of Le Mars.