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WILLMAR — Lumber One Development Company will soon be the owner of half of Block 25 in downtown Willmar.
The Willmar City Council approved selling four city-owned lots on the west side of the block for $4 total to the company, which plans to construct an apartment complex on the site.
The council approved the sale in a 7-0 vote following a public hearing . Councilor Audrey Nelsen abstained from the vote and any discussion as her family is involved in a private land sale with the developer for the remaining half of the block.
Block 25 is located between Second and Third Street Streets Southwest, bordered by U.S. Highway 12 and Benson Avenue in downtown Willmar. It is also located within the Willmar Renaissance Zone , an economic development program approved by the city in May 2020. The pilot program offers a variety of development incentives including free building permits and utility hook-ups and practically free city-owned property.
The company is currently working on the purchase of the east half of the block from the private landowners. If those sales fall through, the city sale will not move forward.
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Lumber One plans to construct a 54-unit apartment complex with parking on the ground floor. The vast majority of the units will be market rate.
"Get to work you guys, get that building built," said Councilor Rick Fagerlie.
