Former downtown Kozy building is demolished

DULUTH, Minn. — The former burnt-out Kozy building in downtown Duluth is no more.

The property stood on the corner of East 1st St. and 2nd Ave.

This demolition has been nearly 15 years in the making, full of legal battles between the former owner of the Kozy, Eric Ringsred, and the city of Duluth. They argued over whether to preserve or demolish the structure after a massive fire condemned the building in 2010.

This week’s demolition is part of a $2 million settlement agreement reached between Ringsred and the city. The money goes towards demolition and improving properties in the historic 1st St. corridor of downtown Duluth.