The 16,200-sf site is located near the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Fremont Avenue and is seen as a key commercial redevelopment "node." The property holds a 19,000-sf building that had been used by the previous owner as a metallurgical laboratory to recover precious metals from waste received from other facilities.

In late 1998 and early 1999, an Environmental Protection Agency investigation found more than 10,000 containers in the building, including 55-gallon drums of industrial wastes. After tests demonstrated high concentrations of heavy metals in deteriorating containers, the EPA determined there was imminent threat to human health and the environment and began emergency abatement action.

After completing the emergency removal activities, the EPA began an effort to recoup more than $1.2 million in cleanup costs. The EPA eventually filed a lien on the property to prevent its sale and in December 1999 began foreclosure proceedings on the property. Since the EPA specifically deals with remediation of contaminants and not the ownership of property, the PDC expressed interest in purchasing the property to further neighborhood goals. For three years, the PDC participated in settlement negotiations with the EPA and the property owner to acquire the property.