ALBERT LEA, Minn. — Albert Lea officials are planning to demolish the old Broadway Theater building at 338 Broadway Avenue South.

Engineers have declared the structure unsafe and beyond repair. The city, which recently acquired the building, aims to remove it this fall.

The theater, built in 1902, stopped functioning as a movie venue in the 1990s. Since then, its condition has worsened, with significant alterations made over the years. An engineering assessment revealed that stabilizing the exterior alone would cost $750,000, not including interior repairs.

Located in Albert Lea’s historic district, the demolition requires an Environmental Assessment Worksheet to evaluate potential environmental impacts. Public comments on this assessment are open until September 18.

Post-demolition, t

See Full Page