The City of Jefferson has potential purchases lined up to take ownership of its last downtown building. 

At their regular meeting on February 22nd, the City Council set public hearings to sell the former AirTemp building. The previous meeting, the Council approved a plat of survey to split the two bays into separate parcels. The south property, at 105 North Chestnut Street, will be purchased by Dr. Philip Heisterkamp, who owns the next building south at Greater Life Health and Wellness at 101 North Chestnut Street. The north property, at 107 North Chestnut Street, will be Heritage Insurance, which City Administrator Mike Palmer notes they will relocate to the downtown area and expand their business. 

Both purchasers have also entered into development agreements with the City. Palmer says this agreement was unique in that the total $150,000 is split between the two properties, $75,000 each, and includes the appraised value of the properties.

“This building appraised (at) $45,000 on one bay and $51,000 on the other bay, that’s taken away from the $75,000. What the balance that’s left is for the new owners to use that to make the necessary improvements inside. We supply the money and there will be a development agreement outlining exactly what we expect to see done with that money.”

Palmer points out following the public hearings on March 8th at 5:30pm, the Council can consider approving the sale of each property. He adds, the City will continue to work with the purchasers on the interior, as well as restore the historical exterior before turning the building over to the potential new ownership.