SASKATOON – A last-ditch effort is underway to save an iconic building in Saskatoon but it could be too little, too late. A group is hoping to save the Farnam Block where demolition work has already started.
A fence now surrounds the building on Broadway Avenue which was most recently home to Lydia’s. Crews have started removing windows after a demolition permit was issued by the city last week.
READ MORE: Historic Saskatoon building that housed Lydia’s to be demolished
The group hoping to save the building says they have contacted the new owners, two Saskatoon chiropractors, with a proposal to purchase the building but say the goal is fading fast.
In a news release, the group says they met with Roger Kiva and Dean Potapinski but were told they only have until noon Thursday to come up with an offer.
“The timeline they have presented makes it impossible to pull together the financing and the price that they have suggested significantly exceeds what they paid for the property,” states the release.
The group is asking for demolition to be put off until March 18 to give them time to raise money to save the building.
The building’s new owners have previously stated they looked at options to preserve the building but in the end said it would be too expensive. They have made a list of items they hope to salvage.
Kiva and Potapinski plan to construct a new building with retail and business space and possibly residential units.
With files from Aaron Streck and Thomas Piller
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