The Veterans Administration site in Knoxville stands empty, and has become both an eyesore and a coveted prize for redevelopment. And tonight, the City of Knoxville will take its first steps towards repurposing the land.

Two items on the agenda involve the hiring of outside consultants; 571 Polson Developments would be asked to come up with a long-term plan for use of the property, while Snyder and Associates would perform an engineering survey of the site and the buildings on it.

The last VA building on the property shut down in 2017, and most of the campus has been closed since 2009. Since it sits near a main entrance into town, finding a new usage for it has taken on more importance for business and aesthetic reasons.

The General Services Administration is in charge of disposing of the property; potential users include the Marion County Fair Board, which wants additional parking for the Knoxville Raceway, the city of Knoxville, and the Knoxville School District, which is interested in new playfields.

Also looking at the site are the Knoxville Economic Development Corporation, for business development, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, which may want to use it as a servicing center.

The buildings themselves are likely not salvageable, due to their age and specialized purpose; but demolition on a location which is designated as a National Historic District must be done with care.

Hiring of the two consulting companies will be discussed during tonight’s City Council meeting at 6:15 p.m., which can be heard live on KNIA.