Kearney City Council approves plan to demolish building, build new structure on E 25th St.

KEARNEY, NE — A Kearney construction company is planning to redevelop a visible property on the east side of town.

On Wednesday, the Kearney City Council voted 4-0 to approve a redevelopment project at 1100 E 25th St. Richie Bock Construction plans to demolish the existing building, which used to house a small auto parts shop. In its place, the company will build a 7,500 square-foot steel-frame building that will include retail, office and warehouse space for three businesses. The project will include a new parking lot, sidewalks and landscaping.

Documents submitted to the city say two businesses have already pledged to occupy part of the planned building. Carpet Pros is a retail carpet store that will have three employees and numerous subcontractors. City Plumbing has been in Kearney for more than 36 years and has seven employees.

The redevelopment plan says the project will cost about $700,000 total. It is projected to raise the property’s valuation from about $118,00 to nearly $750,000. The council approved about $158,000 in tax increment financing for the project.