Future of Kozy Bar Rests in the hands of the City

The future of the historic Kozy building in downtown Duluth now rests in the hands of the City of Duluth. 

On Tuesday, the St. Louis County Board unanimously approved placing the property on a list of tax forfeited properties to be withheld from re-purchase by its previous owner for one year. 

This means that the City of Duluth and the Duluth Economic Development Authority have one year to thoroughly inspect the fire-damaged building and consider options for the purchase of the building. 

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson sent a letter to commissioners stating that the city of Duluth has an interest in seeing the property revitalized.   County Board Chair Steve Raukar says he is confident that the city will be a good partner and “make something positive happen on that corner.” 

The owners of the Kozy building failed to pay property taxes for the last five years. The property was forfeited to the state of Minnesota.  

The Kozy bar and apartments are located at the 127-129 East First Street.