Nearly 15-Year Saga Ends With Demolition Of Former Kozy Building

DULUTH, Minn. —  Demolition began Tuesday on the burnt-out former Kozy building and apartments in downtown Duluth.

The tear-down is part of a roughly $2 million settlement agreement between the city of Duluth, the building’s former owner, Dr. Eric Ringsred, and Respect Starts Here, which is a group of preservationists.

$1.4 million is partially being used for the demolition across the street from the Clayton, Jackson McGhie Memorial on East Superior Street.

The rest of the $1.4 million is directed to be used in the nationally-designated Duluth Commercial Historic District.

The funds will be managed by the 1200 Fund to provide low-interest loans to current and future property owners within the historic First Street Corridor for investment and repairs to current buildings.

Whatever is built on the site of the former Kozy will require the inclusion of storefront windows on the street-level.

The property had been boarded up since its first fire in 2010.

City council Arik Forsman released the following statement to FOX 21:

“Today marks the end of one chapter for downtown Duluth and the beginning of a new one. The settlement agreement that paved the way for the demolition of the Kozy/Pastoret Terrace also calls for new investment along 1st Street that will follow.

With an increased law enforcement presence, investments in new shelter and housing, demolition of the Shoppers Auto Ramp, and an upcoming review of the skywalk system, I’m optimistic downtown is on the upswing. My deep appreciation goes out to our city staff, especially Attorney Betsy Tabor, who made this day possible through their hard work and perseverance.”