Work is nearing completion in The Confluence in downtown Hastings.

That was the report from Community Development Director John Hinzman to the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority at its meeting Thursday, June 15.

The Confluence held a hiring fair at Hastings City Hall last week, though no official opening date has been set.

The Confluence, 200 2^nd St. W, will be managed by IDM Hospitality which operates hotels throughout the Midwest. The Confluence will also feature restaurant and event space and apartments. Hinzman said The Confluence and the 90-unit Lake Isabel Flats apartment project on the former UBC Building site will act as “bookends” to a revitalized downtown.

The Confluence is being developed in the former Hudson Manufacturing building that was purchased by the forerunner to HEDRA nearly 15 years ago.

“Work is nearing completion,” Hinzman said. “The hotel and apartments are nearly complete, and furniture and equipment are being delivered. A job fair was held last week to hire employees. We are awaiting word of the opening date.”

HEDRA approved the spending of $36,400 for integrating a vapor intrusion system that was installed in the early part of The Confluence project into the buildings heating, ventilation and air conditioner system. There also was a bill for $1,250 for wood sealing at the project.

Hinzman was asked if that’s about all for bills for The Confluence. He said there may be another $15,000 in environmental system work.

“We’re getting down there,” he said.

“Good news, good news,” responded HEDRA Chair Peggy Horsch.

In other business before HEDRA:

• New city Economic Development Coordinator Alexander Menke was welcomed. A resolution was passed to name him secretary of the HEDRA Board.

“I’m happy to be here and to get to know all of you more and work with you more for the long-term future,” said Menke.

• A resolution was passed to give HEDRA authority to sell a one-acre parcel on Lightborn Court to Gregg Lowe, who will build an automobile repair shop on the site. The building will also have about 2,400-square-feet of rental space available for another business to locate there.

The purchase price for the property will be $93,654. Details will be put together, and the sale is set to close by the end of the year.

Hinzman said it’s one of the last lots available in the industrial park, with the exception of the 50-plus acre parcel set aside for a large development that’s being marketed by a Minneapolis real estate firm.

“We’re getting down there,” said Hinzman.

• The former Hastings Marcus Theater building, 1313-1325 S. Frontage Rd., was purchased by Meridian Real Estate Holdings. The theater closed in May.

A real estate posting listed the building at 36,786 square feet on a 3.78-acre site. Asking price was $2 million with 2020 property taxes of $60,600.

“We’re unsure of what they may be planning for that facility,” said Hinzman.

• Work is underway on construction of the Kentucky Fried Chicken building on the northwest corner of 18^th and Vermillion Streets.