Two properties in Garland are slated for demolition to make room for newly proposed high-density living.
The two city-owned properties at 101 and 103 W. Ave. D are situated on the southeast end of downtown Garland. The city acquired them to alleviate a bottleneck on First Street and redevelop the area.
According to Garland economic development manager Jacob Acton, the layout of the structures and the identification of asbestos in the properties drove the city to opt for demolition instead of attempting to repurpose them.
A no longer active listing on LoopNet.com shows 101 W. Ave D as a potential retail or office space, sized at nearly 37,000 square feet. It sits on just over five acres of land and was built in 1960.
The adjacent property, 103 W. Ave D, by contrast, is a 3,901 square-foot three-bedroom room home, according to Zillow.
Garland City Council passed the demolition of the two buildings during a vote on October 8. While a date for demolition has yet to be determined, Acton believes it will likely occur before the end of the year.
Intercon Environmental, Inc., an asbestos abatement contractor based in Mansfield, has been tasked with the demolitions.
“We are committed to providing exemplary asbestos abatement, lead abatement, mold remediation, demolition, and waste transport services that are safe, efficient, and legally compliant, on-time, and at competitive prices,” reads Intercon’s mission statement on its website.
Plans for the sites remain unknown, but Acton said the ultimate goal is high-density residential living.
“Adding residential will help support the new retail and redevelopments that have come to the area… Complementing unique retail, events and restaurants with nearby residential density will go a long way to ensure a thriving downtown,” said Acton, per the Dallas Business Journal.
The city is projected to spend nearly $3 million on removal and cleanup costs.