For several years the Pastoret Terrace has been standing empty in the Duluth Commercial Historic District. The building has endured a few fires, squatters and years of neglect. Now after many years of litigation, efforts for the Kozy Building demolition are finally underway.

Some Duluth residents have waited nearly a decade for the tear down of the Pastoret terrace. The building is located in Duluth City Councilor Roz Randorf’s district. She said at the end of January city council meeting the city and Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a $2-million settlement. This helped pave the way for the demolition that was long awaited by some.

“The settlement supporting the decision reflects careful consideration by our city’s legal team. So thank you so much for the months and literally the years of work that have been spent on this,” Randorf said. “That settlement is a reinvestment of these funds back into the First Street corridor and surrounding buildings. Thankfully the prevailing party in this lawsuit really are the residents, visitors, businesses, and property owners on First Street. Thank you for joining me in support of Resolution 86 and beginning the new chapter for this neighborhood.”

At the end of January Duluth city council meeting, Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Sellers Tabor said the agreement provides funds to other property owners of historic buildings in that neighborhood.

“There is nothing in the settlement agreement that restricts the plaintiff’s ability to apply for historic funds through that top hundred fund. But it is those funds are available to any owner of a contributing building in that historic district. There’s priority to the buildings on that first three corridor that are in a special need of attention.”

Under the settlement, DEDA will offer up to $700k to the plaintiffs who’ve contributed to this part of downtown. The Kozy building demolition costs for the Pastoret terrace project is $43,000, but it will take a couple days. Also removing the rubble will take a few months.

Meanwhile the city of Duluth hasn’t decided on what will replace the Kozy building. According to the agreement, any new construction on the site will be required to adhere to the aesthetic of the surrounding historic buildings.

Water is being used as part of the demolition process and may cause icy surfaces on the nearby walkways. Debris may also be present on nearby walkways. In the interest of public safety, the public is asked to stay clear of the site.