Flats on Kemp Makes Good on Past Debts Owed to City of Watertown

October 20, 2026

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT)–Monday night’s Watertown City Council meeting included an update on a long-delayed construction project.

The Ruins Apartments, which under new ownership have been rebranded The Flats on Kemp, have settled all past debt with the city.

City Manager Alan Stager told the council, “all of the past due amounts for property taxes that had not been paid, as well as the special assessment for the city completing the sidewalk in from of that building were paid as part of the bankruptcy, including interest. So at this point, there are no oustanding obligations owed to the city on that project.”

The Flats on Kemp was purchased by Archer Land Company of Lake Norden through bankruptcy proceedings from former owner and developer Jesse Craig of Fargo.

Craig started construction on, but never completed, the 63 unit, four-story building on the site of the former Palace Apartments.