Batavia OKs tearing down former Batavia Bowl

BATAVIA – The Batavia City Council on Monday gave permission to Batavia Enterprises to tear down the former Batavia Bowl.

Aldermen voted 10-3 to issue Batavia Enterprises a demolition permit to tear down the limestone 100-year-old-plus building at 120 First Street in the city's downtown.

Voting no were 4th Ward Alderman James Volk, 3rd Ward Alderman Cathy Barnard and 6th Ward Alderman Robert Liva.

The majority of the aldermen said the building has fallen too far into disrepair.

"It's in deplorable shape," said 7th Ward Alderman Dave Brown.

"You are not going to pour good money after a bad product."

He also said it would be hard to redevelop the building because it is located in a flood plain.

Not everyone agreed, however.

"The building is not in as bad of shape as presented," Volk said. "I think we are rushing way too fast."

He proposed that Batavia Enterprises be required to use as much limestone and timber from the building as possible in any redevelopment plans. Aldermen unanimously approved his amendment.

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke is looking forward to the future.

"We are not destroying history, we are kind of renovating it and revitalizing it," Schielke said.

Batavia Enterprises is purchasing the building from owner James Corrie, who no longer lives in the area. The sale is set to go through the first week of July.

The building was built between 1885 and 1897, according to Batavia Depot Museum Director Carla Hill.

The building is located in the downtown historic district. Batavia Community Development Director Jerry Swanson was concerned about historic structures like the Batavia Bowl building being allowed to deteriorate to the point where they cannot be economically restored.

"Without additional intervention on the part of the city, additional significant historic buildings may be lost, along with the heritage they provide," Swanson said.

The city's building department on May 18 declared the building unhabitable.

Dan Stellato, president of Batavia Enterprises, said it would cost $2.9 million to renovate and purchase the building.

"We won't make any money on renovating the building," he said.

He said that Batavia Enterprises is in the business of renovating older buildings, such as The Newton House in downtown Batavia.

He said the property would be developed in conjunction with the property where the Shumway Foundry once stood.