City will seek grant to raze old light plant

The Decatur Daily Democrat:

A 116-year-old city-owned building has a wrecking ball in its future, and the sooner the better for Decatur Mayor John Schultz.

The mayor asked for and received permission from city council Tuesday night to seek a grant to demolish the huge, decaying building behind the Fifth St. police station and near the city swimming pool.

Built in 1895, the building once housed the city's electric utility. In later years, it was home to the street department. Three or so years ago, as the structure became unsafe, the street department moved into the former Baker & Schulz building complex on Elm St. after that complex was purchased by the city.