For the second time, Lincoln aldermen have rejected a bid to purchase this property on North Kickapoo Street. The bid for $5,100 submitted by Robert Becherer was rejected Monday evening by unanimous vote. Becherer owns the properties located behind this building and had indicated to alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs that he intended to use his new purchase for storage. Aldermen had been hopeful that whoever bid on the property would do something with it that would "enhance the downtown experience for those traveling Route 66." However, they concluded that their desires had not been made clear in the bid specifications.

The city council is now considering whether to go out for bid a third time or perhaps keep the property, fix it up a bit and use it for city storage. Alderman Kevin Bateman suggested that the city could have the front side of the building painted with a mural that would encourage visitors to stop for photos. He also noted that the city needs storage space, so the building could serve two purposes.

Aldermen will revisit the topic at a future date.

Photo by Nila Smith           [Click on image for larger version]