Full Text of Letter Sent to Justin Von Loh re: Abandoned Property
Von Loh Investments, LLC Oct 3, 2025
Justin Von Loh
1600 Washington St.
Blair, NE 68008
Dear Justin,
I am writing to inform you that your project at 1600 Washington Street in Blair—also known as The Lofts at 1600 and legally described as Lots 28, 29, and 30, Block 37, City of Blair, Washington County, Nebraska—has been declared “abandoned” due to the lack of inspections for more than six months and the cessation of work since April of this year.
Under the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), Section [A] 105.5, a building permit is
considered expired or abandoned under the following conditions: “Every permit issued shall
become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.”
This language is also consistent with the City of Blair’s permit requirements, as stated on your permit (enclosed with this letter and highlighted for reference).
Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) you signed with the City regarding
the closure of sidewalks and parking stalls has expired and has been inactive for several months.
The City does not want to see this project fail. However, we cannot allow the building to fall into disrepair to the point that it becomes unsafe, nor can we continue to restrict public access to sidewalks and streets indefinitely.
Additionally, the City is concerned that due to the open nature of the worksite that decay has occurred to the structure. Decay and degradation of the structure could lead to violations of the property maintenance code. If a violation is determined the City would be within its rights to issue a notice of violation. If you then failed to mitigate the issue the City would be forced to hire a contractor to mitigate the issue and assess the cost to you or against the property.
For the foregoing reasons, you must resume meaningful work on the Lofts at 1600 project
within 10 days of receiving this letter and continue to make consistent progress. If work does not resume and continue, the City will be forced to take the following actions:
- Remove all materials and equipment from Washington Street and North 16th Street.
- Impound all work equipment and move it to a secure location.
- Declare the building “unsafe” and secure it to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Cover or close all openings, including the roof, to prevent further deterioration of the
interior floors, walls, and trusses. - You will also be required to agree to an updated MOU regarding the closure of parking stalls and sidewalks surrounding the worksite. This MOU will include penalty provisions for failure to follow specific deadlines and benchmarks.
- The costs associated with these actions will be billed to Von Loh Development, as the owner of Mack Electric, LLC. Payment will be due within 60 days. If unpaid, the costs will be assessed against the property.
During our meeting last Friday, September 26, you expressed interest in meeting with Staff and discussing a path forward. I agree that a meeting would be beneficial, but only after you’ve consulted with your banker and shared this letter with him.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Jeff Beiermann
Community Development Director
City of Blair
402-426-6688
zoning@BlairNE.gov
