DEDA approves $54,000 for security upgrades at former Kozy building

DULUTH, MN– The former Kozy building in downtown Duluth is getting some upgrades.

On Wednesday, the DEDA Commissioner approved a little more than $54,000 to board up windows and doors, remove graffiti, improve lighting, and install security cameras around the vacant building.

The city said these updates were needed following recent fires and break ins, including one that caused significant damage in November of 2020.

“Since then, we are aware of several different break-ins including one where a mattress was lit on fire,” said Kate Van Daele with the City of Duluth. “This was done in an effort to make sure people are safe from the building, and the building is also secure, and additional break-ins don’t happen.”

The Kozy, which sits on East 1st St. in Downtown Duluth, has been wrapped up in litigation regarding the future of the building and whether it should be demolished or preserved.