County Board approves demolition of old Clover Valley School

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Planning & Economic Development Department • Government Services Center

320 West Second Street, Suite 301 • Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: (218) 725-5000 • Toll Free in Minnesota: 1 (800) 450-9777  

www.stlouiscountymn.gov 


Barbara Hayden

Director

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
September 26, 2016

CONTACT: Darren Jablonsky, Deputy Planning Director

218-725-5011


County Board approves demolition of old Clover Valley School

A blighted and dilapidated former school building in Duluth Township that has stood empty for most of the last 40 years, attracting vandalism and other criminal activity, will at last come down, following a unanimous vote by the St. Louis County Board. Demolition of the old Clover Valley School is expected to begin yet this fall.

 

The 25-acre property went tax forfeited in 2015. The former school building is scarred from years of vandalism, weather damage and neglect. Windows are broken, graffiti covers most walls, and debris and evidence of trespassing litters the floor. 


The building hasn't been used as a school since 1974, when a consolidation plan moved students in the area to the neighboring Two Harbors School District. Various attempts to re-use the building were unsuccessful. The building changed ownership several times and was briefly used in the late '70s as a processing site for Lake Superior Herring, and as a production area for a company that tried to develop a vinyl film laminate. Two fires in the early 1990s resulted in the collapse of some walls. In 2002, sale documents noted the building contained hazardous materials; had no electricity; the roof, windows and mechanical system needed repair; and the septic system needed to be replaced.

 

"This building is an eyesore, and has been a frustrating problem for this community for years," said Commissioner Pete Stauber, who represents the district where the building sits. "I commend the Board of Duluth Township and County staff for their hard work. This serves as a great example of how we can partner to clean up blighted properties and help communities thrive."


The Duluth Township Board in July passed a resolution in support of the building's demolition. The County is working with the Township to consider development options on the site once demolition is complete. 


"It has been unfortunate to see the property go from a center of community pride when it was an operating school to its decline through neglect and vandalism," said David Mount, Duluth Township Board Chair. "We are grateful the County has been able to bring the effort and resources to remove the remaining structure and return the property to better use."

 

The school building is one of 34 structures approved for demolition by the County Board earlier this month. State statute gives the County authority to demolish buildings on tax forfeited property if they pose a danger due to dilapidated condition, or if demolition would make it easier to sell the property.


The County Board has made it a priority in recent years to clean up blighted, tax forfeited properties as a way to improve neighborhoods and encourage economic development. The Board approved spending more than $800,000 to review, remove and rehabilitate tax forfeited properties countywide this year.

 

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Clover Valley School gymnasium

The gymnasium of the former Clover Valley School is covered with graffiti and debris.



Clover Valley School basement

The foundation of the former Clover Valley School is cracked and many walls have collapsed following two fires and years of neglect. The building was tax forfeited in 2015.