BEATRICE – Abandoned buildings began coming down Monday, at the future site of a new Beatrice Fire and Rescue Headquarters. 

Fossler Construction began demolition work at the east side of the city block, between 6th and 7th….and Bell to Scott Streets.  

A backhoe was tearing into rental properties along Seventh Street.   The company was hired by the City of Beatrice for the demolition.   The city is also working with an environmental consultant on removal of an underground oil storage tank on the site, and to handle some contaminated soil in the area of a former cleaning business.  

In 2019, city officials reached agreements with property owners to acquire the land and the buildings, at the site.  That included Jan’s Cleaners and the former Kleveland Service station property.

Beatrice elected officials will consider approval of the final design of the station this year, with construction expected to begin in the spring.  When completed, the new home of the local fire and rescue service will replace overcrowded quarters in the lower level of the Beatrice Municipal Auditorium, that has been used since 1965.

Fossler Construction Operator Cuts into House