Dunkirk was constructing spec building

Twenty-five years ago this week, Dunkirk was setting itself up for growth.

The Aug. 13, 1996, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of construction of a new spec building in the city.

Construction work was about two-thirds of the way complete, and Jay County Development Corporation was already sending out proposals to potential buyers and tenants. Dwight Simpson of Business Engineering, Fort Wayne, told Dunkirk City Council he expected the building to be complete in the first half of October.

The new spec building covered 30,000 square feet and was located southeast of Dunkirk City Park. Among the work left to be done included the concrete floor. Dunkirk City Council members agreed to move forward using both wire mesh and synthetic reinforcement in the floor, even if it meant some slight cost overruns. (Eliminating the synthetic reinforcement was proposed as a way to offset site preparation costs that came in higher than expected.)

The building was expected to be offered for sale at more than $670,000. It was built with open production space, 600 square feet of office space and two loading docks.

“We’ve got an awful lot of options to offer and interested party,” JCDC executive director Bob Quadrozzi told city council. “We’re starting to put ourselves in a good position now.”

Council members agreed to leave final details about interior color and landscaping at the site up to Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation.

They also agreed to send out the second payment on the project, bringing it to about 50% paid.