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Razing the old Peninsula Hotel/Dinnerbel building and Meredee’s Restaurant in Lindstrom was handled last week and early this week by Gustafson Excavating;  and through the eyes of the casual observer it appeared things went smoothly.  After sitting empty for about eight years, subjected to smashed windows and trespassers that generated dozens of calls to the local authorities, the building is no more.

Loads of large dumpers were filled and disappeared to demolition landfills.  The excavator arm and claw attachment was lifted and dropped repeatedly crushing the brittle materials into small chunks and pieces for transport.  

The approximately two acre vacant site now overlooks South Lindstrom Lake on the west side of downtown as if an 1800s hotel and later restaurants never even stood there.

Citizens of Lindstrom opposed the first buyer of the site who proposed a 99 unit three story apartment complex that city council members were convinced was too intense of a use for the land.  The lots were eventually purchased by Phil Dommer and Prelude development, but no plans have been presented for the site use as of print deadline.

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