Arson House to be Torn Down

Residents of Ennfield Lane in Duluth will be glad to hear that the city approved razing the fire-damaged house in their neighborhood. The Duluth City Council Monday (Aug 13) awarded a contract to Alan Densmore Inc. to demolish the single-family home at 2970 Ennfield Lane.

This home was involved in an arson, which resulted in a homicide about four years ago. The previous owner, the primary suspect in these crimes, fled the United States and remains at large. The city’s building inspector condemned the house last May and recommended that it be torn down.

The city then requested that Chase Home Mortgage demolish the structure, but the company couldn’t because it has been unable to foreclose on the property. Chase doesn’t have the title to the property, Duluth Planning Director Glenn Coyne informed the council at its meeting Monday night.

Chase has agreed to reimburse the city for the cost of the demolition, Coyne said. A lien will be placed on the property by Chase for future collection.

Densmore submitted the lone bid of $16,449.75. The council authorized spending up to $17,000 for the demolition.