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Photo of the chimney circa 1897. 📸 Credit: Batavia Historic Preservation Commission memo
A towering piece of Batavia’s industrial past — the brick chimney next to Pal Joey’s on North River Street — is heading to the Historic Preservation Commission as officials weigh whether it can realistically be saved or needs to come down.
Here’s what to know:
History: The 111-foot chimney at 25–31 North River Street traces back to the old Kee & Chapell Dairy creamery that operated on the site in the late 1800s and early 1900s, making it part of the downtown skyline for generations and a visible reminder of Batavia’s riverfront factory era.
Current condition: A structural engineer hired by the property owner found significant deterioration and recommended removal of the full structure — city staff agrees the upper 25 feet are unsafe and should come down at a minimum.
Factors in play: While the building itself is considered historically significant, the staff analysis notes the existing chimney is not original to the 1800s structure and was likely altered or rebuilt sometime after 1910.
Cost: The owner estimates demolition of the entire chimney would cost at least $110,000, fully paid by the property owner, with no public funds involved.
The commission could also consider a partial teardown with repairs to what remains, though staff warned that could be more expensive and still leave long-term issues.
The Historic Preservation Commission will take up the request at its Monday, November 24 meeting at Batavia City Hall.
Get more information and see photos in this city memo.
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