Ownership of the land by the university will now make it possible to address safety concerns in the area, ease traffic flow and create a main entrance to the campus. The parcel, which is comprised of the west end of the 800 block between 25th and 26th Streets, had been part of the O.G. "Bob" Saunders estate since Saunders passed away in 2007.
Because changes in traffic flow in the area to develop a new “gateway” to the campus will involve city streets and a state highway, UNK planning will involve consultants, the City of Kearney and the State Highway Department. All plans so far are preliminary.
Planning for demolition of the unoccupied building (most recently occupied by Follett’s Bookstore and a military service recruiting office) is underway and is expected to begin mid-October. The immediate building perimeter is currently fenced to keep passersby at a safe distance from the structure due to its fragile, extending roof.
Although ownership and possession of the parcel has been transferred to the university, the final cost of the property is still being determined. An appraisal by a panel of three experts appointed by the Buffalo County Court set the value at $480,000. However, the Saunders family has since filed an appeal in Buffalo County District Court. That appeal is still pending.
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