Time marches on for AMPI building

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 August 2010 16:25

The fire on April 25, 2007, proved to be a turning point in the potential for the former dairy processing facility.

Following is a timeline of key events in the city’s involvement with the former AMPI property.

1997 – Associated Milk Producers Inc. merges with three other milk processors in the region to form Dairy Farmers of America.

Aug. 5, 1998 – DFA announces it will close its processing plant in Hillsboro, affecting around 75 local jobs.

November 1998 ­– Ice cream production shuts down at the plant, officially ending a local dairy-processing tradition that began in 1930 as Tip Top Creamery.

July 2002 – City announces its intention to buy the DFA property, including 30 acres of annexed land and buildings totaling around 100,000 square feet.

October 2002 ­– Contract established to purchase property for $75,000.

November 2002 – Hillsboro Police Department authorized to move into the office area of the facility.

January 2007 – Hillsboro City Council officially renames the facility “Hillsboro Business Develop­ment Complex.”

March 2007 – USD 410 expresses interest in developing a central office and transportation center in the facility, with significant remodeling.

April 25, 2007 – Fire breaks out in north end of the uninsured facility. Damage initially believed to be limited.

May 2007 – Repair estimates to fire-damaged area vary from $440,000 to $76,000. Council defers action.

September 2007 – USD 410 board decides to seek a different location for its central office and transportation center.

October 2007 - Council sells first lot in newly platted Hills­boro Business Park, a 21-acre development located between the buildings and U.S. Highway 56.

June 2008 – Council decides to subsidize a local effort to bring a welding training center to the community. Around $60,000 invested to improve the southeast area of the main building.

Oct. 15, 2008 - Butler Community College cuts ribbon to officially open its welding center.

Oct. 21, 2008 - Council decides to continue a $1.44 million insurance policy for replacement coverage of the area of the building housing the welding center.

February 2010 ­– Work begins on the development of Hillsboro Business Park.

August 2010 ­– Council decides not to fix leaking roofs over storage areas because of cost.