Florence council votes to raze what’s left of historic saloon
by Mark Cowling | Florence Reminder & Blade Tribune
Street view prior to the fires that have since collapsed the roof.
The town will spend up to $300,000 to clear the debris from the fire that destroyed a 106-year-old tavern at 255 N. Main St. this summer.
The Town Council and the town’s Historic District Advisory Commission met jointly Monday night. The HDAC voted in favor of a demolition permit, but for saving the northeast section of the property “if feasible.” The council then voted to authorize the town manager to negotiate for the demolition, remediation and disposal of the building most recently known as the Kokopelli Moon Saloon.
Owner Matt Ritter did not attend Monday’s meeting and has not responded to the town’s communications, according to town staff. A call and an email to his office were not returned Tuesday.
