YFC going once, going twice ... finally SOLD!

By SCOTT NILES Courier staff writer

May 07, 2008 12:35 am

— OTTUMWA — Tuesday was bittersweet for Lynne Blackwell.
On the one hand, the former Your Family Center board member witnessed the end of the organization’s last grasp on the facility that had served thousands of Ottumwans over the years.
But the day also marked the beginning of a new chapter that will hopefully keep the building vibrant and strong in the years to come.
The Your Family Center, 133 W. Second St., formerly the Young Women’s Christian Association, was sold during an IRS auction Tuesday morning.
The building had been closed since January 2007 because of financial issues.
Tuesday’s auction was the third attempt to sell property.
The first auction took place last September, where a bid of $82,500 was rejected because it was considered too low to pay off some of the back taxes that were owed on the property. The building was then turned over to the IRS.
The IRS held another auction last month, but again no bids were accepted.
Tuesday’s auction, however, garnered a winning bidder — Ottumwa City Engineer Larry Seals.
Seals, who was acting on his own and not on behalf of the city, offered a bid of $59,000; the bid was quickly accepted by the IRS.
Along with the $59,000, Seals also will be responsible for a state lien of approximately $1,900, bringing the total price tag to roughly $60,900 for the historic site.
“I started looking at the building a couple weeks ago,” Seals said. “I think $59,000 is a steal for this size building.”
Seals said he has plans for the facility, which includes a large swimming pool, but did not want to disclose them at this time. He said he plans on making repairs to the property and has several ideas for the building that he is considering.
Although the property was sold to Seals as is, the IRS said he may be able to receive financial assistance to make repairs to the building.
“There are grants that can be obtained to restore the building, since it is on the National Registry of Historic Places,” said IRS Property Appraisal and Liquidation Specialist Mary Snoddy, who was at Tuesday’s auction.
Meanwhile, Blackwell said she is glad that the building has a new owner.
“I just want the building to be taken care of and not left to waste,” she said.
And while the memories of the facilities are still fresh in her mind, Blackwell remains optimistic.
“I don’t think there is a reason to be sad now that we know that it is going to be used,” she said. “I know it will be taken care of.”

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