KARLSTAD, Minn. -- At least temporarily, the wrecking ball has met its match in Paul Englund and Curt Wikstrom.
The Karlstad City Council had awarded a contract to demolish the former city hall, but recently put those plans on hold to hear their pitch to save the 95-year-old building. The council will hear their ideas for keeping the brick structure intact on Monday night.
Englund, 64, was raised in Karlstad, but spent most of his adult life as an elementary teacher in the Twin Cities. All along, however, he maintained a residence in Karlstad for summer visits. Now retired, he's returning to live in his hometown.
"When I was back in July, people told me that they're going to spend $24,000 to remove it and turn it into dust," Englund said. "I said, 'Oh no, I don't think so.'"
Wikstrom is president of Karlstad-based Wikstrom Telephone, which has been generous in supporting local economic and historical causes. In June, at the opening of a restaurant built by his business, Wikstrom implored residents to contribute to retaining the Scandinavian flavor to the northwestern Minnesota town.
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"The city hall is a historical monument," Wikstrom said. "It's a connection to our past. We need to remember where we came from.
"I also just don't like tearing buildings down. They make the town look empty."
Englund suggests the building could be converted to a museum, library, meeting area, storage and perhaps even apartments on the second level. Wikstrom prefers preserving over remodeling.
"It's the most important building still left in town," Wikstrom said. "It should be kept just as an old town hall.
"People spend millions of dollars for a piece of art. Well, this building is a piece of art."
The building has been vacant for six years, its last purpose being the home to fire department equipment. It was last used as the city hall about 30 years ago.
Karlstad Mayor Nick Amb said he's open to saving the building. "As a high school history teacher, I'm fully aware of the neatness of an old building," he said.
However, he said, the city doesn't have money to repair the roof or make improvements to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act issues.
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"We're open to ideas," Amb said. "If a group takes it off the city's hands without a burden for the taxpayers, it's a win-win deal."
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send email to rbakken@gfherald.com .
