A century-old historic building in Eau Claire whose owners call it an “eye sore” may be demolished to make way for a new commercial and residential structure. The former Kaiser Lumber Co. office, 1004 Menomonie St., is one of the few remaining buildings directly associated with the city’s long lumbering history. The brick structure, built in 1905, now houses apartments. According to the Eau Claire Landmark Commission, the Kaiser Co. was the last lumber firm established in Eau Claire, operating between 1905 and 1939. It was located on 46 acres along nearby Half Moon Lake, and was the successor firm to the Daniel Shaw Lumber Co. (namesake of the city’s Shawtown neighborhood). Building owners James and Jane Rolbiecki recently applied to the city Landmarks Commission for permission to demolish the building, which is listed as a local and national landmark, and replace it with a 3,026-square-foot two-story building that would include the Rolbieckis’ business, Riverside Bike & Skate, on the ground floor with apartments above. In a document filed with the Landmarks Commission, the Rolbiekis stated that the existing building “is not allowing the property to be used to full potential” and would be too costly to update. Furthermore, moving Riverside Bike & Skate from 937 Water St. to the Kaiser building site will better position the business near Hobbs Ice Center, the state bike trail, and the proposed site of a new university recreation complex, they wrote. The Landmarks Commission is expected to decide on the Rolbieckis’ request at its Jan. 5 meeting. If the request is rejected, the owners can appeal to the City Council.