Washington Street remains closed between Main Street and Columbia Street as a result of the January structure fire that involved two buildings and three businesses. The street closure has impacted five businesses along that block. Two separate structural engineering companies have evaluated the damaged buildings and confirmed the level of structural risk and potential for collapse.
Building Inspector Sam Payne said, “The safety of pedestrians and drivers is our primary concern. With any damaged structure there is a fall risk. The height of these buildings creates a large fall zone.”
Work is being done behind the scenes on behalf of several different insurance companies, the property owners and attorneys. Until the buildings are released by the involved parties no repairs or demolition can take place.
Mayor Chris McBarnes recognizes the inconvenience the closed street has caused stating, “We are working feverishly with several different attorneys and two different insurance companies to resolve this matter.”
As soon as the structures are released the Building Inspector’s office will immediately contract with a demolition company using funding from the insurance companies to take down the front section of the building at 54 W. Washington Street. This would allow the street to be reopened. The north sidewalk would still need to remain closed to foot traffic until additional demolition can take place.
Several businesses have remained open despite the closed roadway. Decisions made by local businesses to remain open are made at their own discretion and are not within the purview of the City of Frankfort.