HASTINGS, Neb. — For two and a half years, the corner of Hastings Ave. and 2nd St. in downtown Hastings has been vacant. 

The empty lot, an eyesore at one of the most prominent intersections in town and a reminder of the tragic fire that tore through the historic Bert’s Pharmacy building. But now, rising from the ashes, is a plan to remodel the distinguished location. 

“Ever since March ’22, that’s been a challenging property for downtown and the community of Hastings,” Development Services Director Chad Bunger said.

An overnight fire wrecked the Bert’s Pharmacy building, which had stood since 1895. The Community Redevelopment Authority owns it now and plans to sell to the owners of the adjoining building, which was also condemned.

Vance Behrens is part of that ownership group and spoke at Monday’s city council meeting.

“If it was economically feasible, it would have been fixed and up and running two years ago," Behrens said. "But because of the costs associated with the east wall and the south wall, it just wasn’t possible and it wouldn’t be possible without a little help.”

That help came in the form of a $425,000 community development block grant for the facade and other CRA funding. On Tuesday, the city council approved a 15-year tax increment financing plan at the recommendation of development services director Chad Bunger.

“If they were doing it without any tax increment financing, really the reconstruction of that building to make it match the rest of that downtown in its quality and its materials, would price it right out of the market,” Bunger said.

The developers will offer commercial space on the first floor and condos on the second floor. They expect the new-look Magee Corner to reinvigorate the high-profile spot.

“That’s really the corner of Main Street and Main Street, that intersection," Bunger said. "We have some really amazing buildings downtown and it’s exciting to know that that remodeled building will match the rest of downtown in its character.”

With the final governmental hurdles cleared, Bunger says the developers are free to start construction. He expects them to start looking for tenants as soon as work begins.