The City of Sedalia has announced it has purchased just under 32-acres of property from Union Pacific.

According to a news release from the city, the main portion of this site is commonly referred to as the old Sutherland Lumber location on Broadway Boulevard, east of the Katy Trail overpass to Hancock. The purchase of this parcel was combined with parcels to the north so that the combined purchase ranges from Broadway as the southern border to the rail road line on the northern border. The purchase was closed on Wednesday, February 17 at a purchase price of $636,594.55.

According to the City, this property has been an eye sore for many years. Over the years there have been several potential developments interested in this site, however, none of the projects ever came to fruition for various reasons.

The purpose of the purchase is to facilitate redevelopment. The City plans to clean up the site and keep it maintained to make the area more attractive to developments. The City also recognizes the need and thereby is willing to subdivide the property for varying uses.