Demolition of Old Homes and Structures
In 2006, the Foundation Board launched a major initiative with the City of Eureka and Eureka Volunteer Fire Department to demolish or burn houses and other structures which are beyond repair. As their first project, foundation members acquired and demolished the old Hayes Welding shop near the city park. In recent years, the building has been near collapse and had been used for illegal drug activities. The area has now been cleared and replanted to provide attractive green space around the park.
Since that time, over 30 structures have been demolished and many more are scheduled for demolition. The demolitions are requested by property owners with homes and buildings that deteriorated quickly when vacant and cost more to destroy than their market value. City staff, Foundation volunteers, and donors demolish the homes for free in hopes that, by breaking the deadlock, the land can be used for new construction or at least improving the appearance of the neighborhood.
The aggressive program is intended to accelerate a previously underfunded City program, with many structures slated for voluntary demolition in the next year. Foundation Executive Director Steve Coulter says “It all boils down to wanting to clean up Eureka and make it a better place to live.”
