There should be a new look to the downtown corridor this year in Bridgeport as a critical parcel on Main Street will see a long-standing building demolished.

 

During a recent Bridgeport Development Authority meeting, Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said that the building situated on the corner of West Main Street and Virginia Avenue that was recently purchased by the city will be demolished.

 

The building in question is the former home of Mike Kelley Appliance Repair. That will be the last business on the lot for the foreseeable future. The lot has been the home to numerous businesses over the last several decades including a gas station, a convenience store, a used car lot and more.

 

Bridgeport City Council approved the purchase of the building, and the entire lot, at the Dec. 18, 2023, meeting. The lot covers .45 acres.

 

Lang said at the time of the purchase there was no specific plan in place for its use. However, he said it could be utilized for overflow parking for the Benedum Civic Center, green space, add another building utilized by the city, and he did not rule out reselling the property. At the December 18 meeting, Lang was not sure whether the building would be demolished or left standing.

 

Now, that decision has been made. Kerr said a request for proposals will soon be out for demolition.

 

“It’s a busy corner so I know Council is trying to be cognizant of what comes next there,” she said. “We do know whatever is done, as the entrance to Bridgeport we want that area to be more inviting … There have been a ton of ideas thrown about.”

 

Kerr said there should be a “Welcome to Bridgeport” sign as part of whatever comes there. As for an environmental assessment to determine if there is asbestos in the structure, one has not been done. Kerr said someone will be hired to make sure an assessment determines the path to take with the demolition.