The Hokkaido prefectural government are looking for a buyer for the historic Archives of Hokkaido Annex Building in Sapporo City.

Built in 1926, the Taisho era building was designed by architect Atsumasa Hagiawara and built in the Vienna Secession style of architecture which was popular at the time. It is located to the south of the main Archives building, which was built in 1888 and used as the Hokkaido Government Office.

The four storey reinforced-concrete building has a total floor area of 1200 sqm (12,900 sqft). It was originally opened as the Library of Hokkaido and later used as an art gallery. Until recently it has been used as document storage and has not been open to the public.

Part of the terms of sale require the new owner to retain the original exterior and restore the entrance hall. The prefecture will demolish the interior and repair the exterior, which is estimated to cost 400 million Yen (4 million USD).

Buyers must submit a proposal of their plans for the building along with their desired purchase price. Purchase proposals must be submitted between September 9 ~ 13.

The successful bidder will be announced in December and the building will be handed over in March 2014. The prefecture will not only consider the price offered, but preference will also be given to buyers who plan to make the building open to the public. Offers must be over 531,134,000 Yen (5.4 million USD).

The new owner will not be allowed to re-sell or transfer the building to a third party without permission from the prefecture for the first 10 years following purchase.

Details on the application process in Japanese can be found here.

*Update: The property has been purchased by Hori Confectionery. They will retain the exterior, while converting the interior into a cafe, salon, gallery and memorial hall. Renovations are expected to be completed by late 2016.

Location

5-1-2, Kita 1 Jonishi, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (800m south of Sapporo Station)

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