Bismarck Tables Meriwether`s Demolition; Interim Police Chief Appointed | Video

Joel Porter | 4/24/2012

Advocates who are trying to save the old Meriwether`s restaurant in Bismarck from demolition have a little more time. Tuesday night, the city commission agreed to postpone a decision to tear down the building until its May 22 meeting.

The building was constructed in 1911 and was the train depot in Wilton, ND before it was hauled to Bismarck in 1987. Those who support saving the building asked city leaders for more time so they could try and raise the money needed to fix up the site.

"The building`s got a good story. It really does. And I think it ties into our community nicely as well," Burleigh County Commissioner Mark Armstrong said.

Armstrong said he was in talks to move the building to Buckstop Junction east of Bismarck. However, that project fell through because of rising costs.

"Time is of the essence for the Riverboat folks. And we can`t be an impediment to their progress," City Commissioner Mike Seminary said.

FEMA offered $8,000 to repair the building, provided it was raised above flood stage and built up to code. The Lewis and Clark Riverboat, which sold tickets in that building, plans to launch around Memorial Day.

In other news from the commission, city leaders have appointed deputy chief Fred Wooten as interim police chief for one year. Outgoing chief Keith Witt will stay on for another month, then Wooten will take over. The search for a permanent chief will go on.

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