Duluth Finished Shoppers Auto Ramp Demolition

The project to remove the long-closed structure wrapped up after over a year of careful work.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A vacant building lot filled with gravel, bordered by historic red brick architecture in downtown Duluth. — Duluth officials have completed the demolition of the Shoppers Auto parking ramp on 2nd Avenue West, ending a seven-year site closure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Duluth officials have completed the demolition of the Shoppers Auto parking ramp in the downtown area. The project concluded in October 2026 after the structure sat closed for seven years due to failing integrity.

Why it matters

The ramp was a persistent eyesore and safety concern that required a complex, multi-year removal effort. Managing the site required significant caution to protect the adjacent historic New Garrik building from damage during the teardown process.

The demolition project cost $3 million, tripling the original $1 million estimate due to the unexpected discovery of urban fill. The work took approximately 1.5 years to finish following the ramp's closure in 2019.

The players

Duluth Economic Development Authority

This public agency is responsible for overseeing the land and economic growth initiatives within the city of Duluth.

New Garrik building

This historic structure is an adjacent property that required specific protection measures throughout the demolition process.

The details

Contractors dismantled the ramp at 18 N 2nd Avenue West floor by floor to ensure the nearby New Garrik building remained structurally sound. The final clearance of the site marks the end of a seven-year wait since the structure was first shuttered.

The parking ramp initially closed in 2019.
Demolition work on the site began in April 2025.
Total costs reached $3 million in April 2026.
The demolition project concluded in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The clearing of this site follows the precedent set by the 2019 closure of the Shoppers Auto parking ramp. This project represents the final stage of mitigating risks established by that initial closure.

The removal of the structure eliminates a long-standing hazard in the downtown district and restores safety to the area surrounding 18 N 2nd Avenue West. Local residents and visitors can expect the immediate area to be free of demolition-related work zones moving forward.

The takeaway

The project demonstrates the hidden costs associated with urban demolition, particularly when dealing with aging foundations and fill materials. Budgeting for unexpected site conditions remains a critical factor for city-led structural improvements.