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City moves closer to acquiring, redeveloping Hotel Solem

Property owners fail to show at court hearing

One of the first buildings constructed in Cloquet following the historic 1918 fire is on the verge of condemnation, following a hearing in District Court in Carlton this week.

Using eminent domain statutes and referring to the building in its present state as a public hazard, the city of Cloquet moved closer to purchasing the building for $8,000.

The goal for the city, stated last December, is to attract new ownership that would restore and redevelop the building.

The fate of the Hotel Solem property unfolded Tuesday, Aug. 2 with building ownership declining to be present or even represent its...