Cleanup and demolition work is ready to get underway at the site of the former Hastings Cooperative Creamery, marking a significant step forward in addressing one of the city’s most visible fire-damaged properties.
City officials confirmed that a demolition permit has been issued for the long-vacant structure along Vermillion Street, clearing the way for crews to begin removing debris left behind after the devastating fire in September 2023.
The Hastings City Council has ordered that all cleanup and demolition work be completed by June 15, setting a firm deadline after months of delays and ongoing concerns from nearby property owners and residents.
The creamery site has remained a point of frustration for the community since the fire, with scattered debris and partially collapsed structures lingering well beyond initial cleanup deadlines. City leaders have repeatedly cited safety concerns, as well as the negative impact the site has had on surrounding properties and the corridor’s overall appearance.
Earlier this year, council members took formal action to compel progress on the site, directing staff to pursue enforcement measures to ensure the property is cleared. The issuance of the demolition permit signals that those efforts are now translating into visible movement on the ground.
Community Development Director John Hinzman has previously noted that the city maintained regular contact with property representatives in an effort to push the project forward. The council’s June 15 deadline reflects a growing sense of urgency among officials to see the site fully cleared as construction season gets underway.
Once demolition is complete, the cleanup is expected to open the door for future redevelopment of the prominent property, which sits along a key commercial corridor in Hastings. City officials have indicated that long-term plans for the site will likely be discussed in greater detail once the property is stabilized and cleared.
For now, the start of demolition work represents a long-awaited milestone for residents who have watched the site remain largely unchanged since the fire. City leaders say they will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the project stays on track to meet the mid-June deadline.