Demolition of House Owned by BNSF

Motorists on Main Street in Willow Springs will not have failed to notice the demolition of a derelict house in the 500 block of West Main Street, immediately to the South of Bamboo House. According to City Administrator Beverly Hicks, the house and property are owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp (BNSF). The railway company acquired the property from Chris and Dianne North.

The condition and neglected upkeep of the property has been an issue for the City of Willow Springs this year. Originally, the company did maintain the property and keep the weeds down, but it has not done so faithfully in 2020. After the May 4 weather event in which all the mature trees on the property fell, BNSF took steps to move forward with demolition. One large tree even fell into the back of the house. 

Hicks said since the destruction in May the City “...did put pressure on them to get it done.”

There are no plans at this time to build another structure on the land; it will remain vacant. There is a railroad switch and other infrastructure immediately behind the property, which may provide valuable access for the railway company.