The Town of Virden is seeking tenders for the demolition of 558 Frame Street, the address of the Farmhouse Bistro and Tavern, which occupied the building from 2013 to early 2016. Before that, it was the Dragon Inn Chinese restaurant for many years.
Virden CAO Rhonda Stewart says the Town took possession of the property during the tax sale process.
She says the structure was inspected by a building inspector and an environmental company, which submitted a report on the hazardous materials it contains.
“Based on both inspections,” says Stewart, “council decided the best course of action would be to have the building demolished.”
That will require a two phase process, the first to remove and dispose of hazardous materials such as asbestos and the second to dispose of the building.
Stewart says no potential buyers had shown interest in purchasing the lot, tucked in behind the Virden Motel near Highway 1, as of last week.
Several other vacant lots dot the landscape in downtown Virden where commercial buildings once stood and were either destroyed by fire, abandoned by their owners or both.
