A hundred year old building is one step closer to renovation. The Mead Building north of Yankton was built in 1909 by Dr. Leonard Mead in an attempt to give the mentally ill patients residing there some tranquility. The building is currently owned by the State and in need of many repairs - which makes it a financial liability for the State.
Deb Bowman is the Senior Advisor to Governor Dennis Daugaard. She says the Mead building has historical significance and value, and instead of demolishing it, the Yankton Historical Society is expressing interest in restoring the building. They plan to turn it in to their headquarters and a museum. Bowman says Senate Bill 34 helps get the sale done.
“We see this situation as a win-win first for the State of South Dakota. We are limiting or getting rid of a liability and we see it as a win-win for the community of Yankton because hopefully they’ll have a beautiful restored building that will be a treasure in their community here over the next several years,” says Bowman.
Bowman says the Mead Building will remain in the hands of the state until the Yankton Historical Society meets its financial obligations. She says that the Society is welcome to make improvements to the property in the meantime. The Mead Building has recently had the roof replaced and asbestos in the building has been abated. There is also lead paint on the walls. Bowman says the building was appraised prior to the roof work and has a baseline value of one dollar. Senate Bill 34 passed through the House State Affairs Committee on Friday with a majority vote and heads next to the Floor.