Watertown Senior Center a step closer to demolition (Audio)

February 1, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The Watertown Senior Center is a step closer to demolition following Monday night’s city council meeting.

The council voted unanimously in favor of a plan that would have developer Jesse Craig demolish the building at his expense.

Craig is building a new apartment building called, “The Ruins” next to the Senior Center, and a new park, called Foundation Plaza, will also be developed nearby.

Craig has agreed to include up to 1,200 square feet of first floor space in his new apartment building for warming space and public bathrooms for users of the park.

Watertown Development Company Executive Director Chris Schilken says this is a “win win” for the city and the developer…

Mayor Sarah Caron stressed the Senior Center will not be demolished until the new, ‘Generations on First” Senior Center opens later this year.

Craig is building the new Senior Center just west of the county courthouse and leasing it to the city for one-dollar a year for 99 years.

“The Ruins” will replace the Palace Apartments, which are being demolished this week.