Local Officials Interested in Elder-Beerman Property Auction

The former Elder-Beerman store in downtown Richmond closed in August.

Officials in Richmond are looking at the possibility of purchasing the former Elder-Beerman property in the city’s downtown. Wayne County Commissioner Ken Paust tells the Palladium-Item local leaders are hoping to avoid a situation similar to the former Reid Hospital site, which fell into severe disrepair for years before recently being torn down.

The location is one of 10 properties formerly owned by Wisconsin-based The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. being auctioned off later this month. Paust, who led a group that made a bid for the property last year, says they have been in contact with representatives from A&G Realty, a New York-based real estate firm that is handling the auction. 

"We’re taking a look at it to see what we might be able to do," Paust told the publication. "We know we can go back in with our same offer, but my guess is that somebody is going to come along and put an offer in for all of the facilities."

All bids for the property are due January 25 and the auction will take place three days later. You can read more about the auction in the Palladium-Item.