BY JENN SAMSEL AND DAN HILDEBRAN
Special to the Monitor
On Thursday, January 2, a contractor for the City of Keystone Heights tore down a building on a lot that some residents characterized as the ugliest corner in the city.
Last November, the city council approved a bid to remove asbestos from the structure, last used as a restaurant called China Chef. The council also approved a second proposal to demolish the former restaurant, which was initially a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.
The city’s community redevelopment agency purchased the building and 0.165-acre parcel in March 2024 for $240,000. The two bids to remove the carcinogenic material and tear down the building totaled $30,250.
A consultant commissioned by the North Florida Transportation Planning Council recommended that the triangular parcel be converted into parking and open space, with the city using the open space as a marquee gateway to downtown. The gateway would include a sign and other assets, giving visitors a positive first impression of Keystone Heights.
In subsequent meetings, council members indicated they intended to implement the consultant’s recommendations.
Mayor Nina Rodenroth referenced the demolition as part of a broader project that will include widening South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21) to allow northbound traffic to make right turns onto eastbound Walker Drive (State Road 100) easier.
“The City of Keystone Heights purchased the property in the summer of 2024 in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation to widen the turn lane of SR 21 North for smoother traffic flow,” she said in a statement. “We do not have a date for when FDOT will begin their portion of the project, but we expect it will start in mid-2025.”
Other community leaders cheered the building’s removal as a step toward downtown’s continued development.
“I’m delighted to see the structure come down and look forward to seeing what the city does with the property,” said former mayor and current Lake Region Kiwanis President Karen Lake.
Added County Commissioner Betsy Condon, “Between DOT improvements to the intersection and beautification of the City of Keystone Heights, the long-awaited project will change the face of the city. I’m sure some will not be happy with the change, but it really was the best decision our city council could have made, given the width of the intersection. For the safety and health of the public, I commend the decision and look forward to seeing the finished product.”
Rodenroth signaled that she intended to follow the consultant’s recommendation.
“Once the building has been demolished, the area will be sodded and prepared for a ‘Welcome to Keystone Heights’ marquee,” she said. “We are very excited for our community as we provide this improved visual look for our town and safer roadway for that intersection.”
