Fate of dilapidated building uncertain

More hazard tape now surrounds a dilapidated building at 202 E. Main St. in Marion, its future unclear.

The building, former home of County Lakes Café, came to the council members’ attention in August after city code enforcement officer James Masters reported it had a deteriorating back and crumbling side walls.

When representatives of Walton State Bank, which owns the building, talked to city council members last month, they said the bank expected to sell the building, which it purchased at a tax sale 10 years ago.

Problems getting a clean title caused the bank to file a petition to quiet the title so it could be sold.

But its condition continues to deteriorate.

Masters put tape in the front of the building Aug. 20 because of glass on the sidewalk from a broken front window and the danger of someone getting cut on a hole in the window.

The city still waits for further information from Walton State Bank about the status of the building.

Walton State Bank will only say it intends to sell the building.

City administrator Brian Wells said an asbestos inspection revealed the building does contain asbestos.