Eric Miljour, who purchased the three-story structure for $500 in 2014, filed a quitclaim deed with the Marquette County Register of Deeds transferring ownership to the Kirkwood Block LLC on May 20.

The deed, which was signed by Miljour and notarized on Feb. 6, indicates there was “no consideration,” meaning no money changed hands in the transaction.

Miljour is the resident agent of the Kirkwood Block limited liability company, according to documents filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on Dec. 12.

An order of condemnation was issued on May 20 after a large portion of the roof of the century-old building collapsed on May 16, according to Negaunee Planning and Zoning Administrator David Nelson.

The back of the Kirkwood Block is shown after the roof collapsed on May 16. (Journal photo by Trinity Carey)

It’s unclear if the quitclaim deed was filed with the Marquette County Register of Deeds before or after the condemnation order was posted on the building.

Negaunee’s City Attorney Jeremy Pickens on Thursday said the city had just been made aware of the situation and declined to comment further.

“We have to do more research into the matter before we can comment,” Pickens said.

Despite repeated attempts via email and phone, The Mining Journal was not able to reach Miljour prior to press time today, but he informed the city council during its June 13 meeting that he intends to rehabilitate the structure.

Inquiries with the Marquette County Building Codes Department on Thursday revealed no permit activity at the location.

“At this time, Marquette County does not have record of building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits being applied for or issued for 324 Iron St.,” Marquette County Building Official and Codes Manager Paul Knox said in an email.

The city, for its part, is moving ahead with plans to demolish the structure.

Northern Design Works sent out a request for proposals to local contractors for the project on July 12, City Manager Nate Heffron said Wednesday.

Construction firms have until 2 p.m. Tuesday to submit bids for the project, according to city documents. The Negaunee City Council will publicly open and review the sealed bids during its Aug. 8 meeting.

“We are in a unique situation, … an emergency situation,” Heffron said. “Normally this would not have to go in front of council, but because this is such a large amount of money, we want to make sure that the council has a say in where the funding comes from. The city would have to foot the bill at this point unless we could get any grants or other offset funding. But our preferred choice would be that the property owner pay for it.”

Early estimates indicate the cost to demolish the three-story structure should not exceed $300,000, Heffron said.

The sidewalk along Iron Street directly in front of the building has been blocked off by the city since the roof collapse in May. Officials created a perimeter that includes the north side traffic lane on June 14, citing additional safety concerns.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.